Italian Food, Wine and Cooking Classes in Italy

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Become a Tuscan Chef For a Day

When in Florence....cook as if you were a real Tuscan chef! This shared cooking class takes place in a typical Tuscan setting - a fully equipped, professional kitchen installed in a building, just a few steps from the Duomo and the Central Market.
Chef Giovanni and his assistant Andrea will accompany you and the other participants of the class to the Central Market where you will select the freshest ingredients for your meal. They will teach you how to choose the best among the products offered, and as you shop, you'll get to taste the ham, cheese and bread that you buy.
Afterwards, you will enter the kitchen to prepare a seasonal meal of traditional bruschetta, fresh homemade pasta and typical Tuscan main courses. You will also select the Chianti wine that best accompanies what you have prepared to eat. At the conclusion of this hands-on lesson, you will get to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you have made! A "graduation certificate" will be presented to all participants in the class.
Please note that the Central Market is closed on Sundays and bank holidays; a special introduction and extra tastings will be available during the cooking class.

Italy's Most Glorious Creations: Pizza & Gelato

Which are the most glorious Italian culinary creations? Pizza and gelato, of course! Join this learn-and-taste afternoon tour -- it's informative, it's entertaining and it finishes up with a delicious Tuscan dinner, complete with wine!
You'll meet the group in downtown Florence and head to a typical pizzeria where a local pizza chef, called a "pizzaiolo," will teach you the art of making pizza from scratch. Every participant makes their own pizza, starting with the dough, then covering it with a light yet flavorful tomato sauce and finally popping it in the oven to bake. And when the pizza is cooked to perfection... of course, you'll get to taste it!
After pizza comes dessert! Making gelato seems easy but there is so much to learn. The chef provides an extensive introduction on how to select the best available raw ingredients, how the natural colors develop, how gelato differs from traditional ice cream and much more. And sampling many different flavors of freshly-made gelato is half the fun!
The tour concludes with dinner and a wine tasting, making it a great opportunity for the whole family to gain an insight into Italy's famed gastronomical culture in a fun and tasty way!

Learn to Cook a Florentine Meal

Step into the private kitchen of Francesca di Leonardo and learn to cook a traditional Florentine meal. Together you'll prepare a 4-course meal, using fresh, local ingredients, while Francesca shares with you her cooking secrets and special techniques. Finally, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labors, eating dinner around the kitchen table.
This is a 'home-style' cooking class, which takes place in the private apartment of Francesca di Leonardo, located in Florence's San Frediano district. The class will last 3 hours, with the meal following.

Become a Roman Chef For a Day: A Small Group Cooking Class

Are you a food lover and would you like to discover more about the Italian food culture while expanding your culinary repertoire and skills? If the answer is yes, this entertaining, small group cooking class - held in the heart of Trastevere - is the perfect choice for you. On the day of your cooking class, you'll be welcomed by Chef Andrea and his wife Erica, who will start the lesson by presenting the 4-course menu of the day. Since the chef uses only fresh, organic ingredients, the menu varies based on season and availability.
During this 4-hour, hands-on cooking class, Chef Andrea will take you under his wing and teach you how to prepare a wonderful appetizer such as fried zucchini flowers stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella roman style artichokes, bruschetta, soups and many other different seasonal appetizers. Then, it will be time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands "dirty" to make pasta from scratch as the Italians do: making the dough, kneading it and cutting out pasta shapes. You'll also whip up a nice sauce to serve with the freshly made pasta.
Next you will learn to prepare a typical Roman second course such as saltimbocca alla Romana (veal medallions with ham and sage), straccetti with cherry tomatoes and arugula, chicken alla cacciatora, scaloppine with mushrooms, roasted pork or meatballs, just to mention some of the dishes prepared. Finally, you'll work on creating a delicious dessert. While preparing the food, you will also learn the perfect techniques for cutting, stuffing, rolling and cooking.
The menu is thought out to teach you a dish that is easy to make on your own, one that is particularly challenging and one that is typically Roman. At the end of the lesson you get to sit at a lovely dining table and feast on your own homemade Italian meal!

Learn to Cook a Roman Meal

When in Rome.....cook as the Romans do! The Eternal City is famous for a variety of things -- the Colosseum, the Pope, its ancient ruins -- but one thing that many tourists tend to overlook is its centuries-old culinary tradition. What would Italian cuisine be without tasty Roman specialties like saltimbocca alla romana, spaghetti alla carbonara or Jewish style artichokes?
This cooking class takes place in a culinary school in the Prati neighborhood of Rome, just a stone's throw from St. Peter's and the Vatican. In this private, hands-on cooking class you will learn how to make a traditional Roman meal using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
This class not only teaches you how to prepare a complete menu of dishes, it also covers presentation and garnishing; handy tricks to enhance prepared dishes and lend confidence to the overall culinary experience. And after your class, you'll sit down to a gourmet feast you can be proud of -- buon appetito!

Learn to Cook a Tuscan Meal

The cooking class of Chef Emma Mantovani takes place in her farmhouse situated on a top of a hill, with a 360 degree view on the Val d'Elsa, only 10 miles from San Gimignano.
During the cooking class you will have the opportunity to learn how to create wonderful Tuscan dishes, from antipasti to dessert; each recipe will be accompanied by Emma's Tuscan trade secrets. During the preparation, you'll also get to taste all the ingredients used such as fresh vegetables, pecorino cheese and Emma's homemade olive oil.
At the end of the lesson, seated on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside, you will enjoy the 4-course meal that you personally cooked. This is an unforgettable experience -- come discover the taste of Tuscany, deep in the heart of Chianti, where some of Italy's most famous wines are made.

Chianti Nord Wine Tour: Half Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this half day wine excursion to Chianti Country.
Departing from and returning to your Florence hotel, first stop is the town of Greve in Chianti with its picturesque, asymmetrical main piazza. It is lined by a succession of palaces, porticoes and loggias with the rebuilt church of Santa Croce at one end, housing beautiful Renaissance paintings from the School of Fra Angelico. At the other end of the piazza stands a statue of the explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor.
After a tour of Greve you'll head to the Casaloste Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Then you'll visit the cellars of the Setriolo estate in Castellina in Chianti to learn how grapes become wine; a guided tasting follows.

Italian Wines: North to South

Keen to know more about Italian wines and the way they differ throughout Italy? Your sommelier will take you on a trip from north to south, discovering the best wines produced in three of the 20 Italian regions - not necessarily the most well known, but certainly of the highest quality.
You will be introduced to limited production wines made by small wineries tucked away in Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige and Sicily. These will be accompanied by various appetizers such as traditional bruschette and a selection of the best cured meats and cheeses of the area.
This 45-minute wine tasting under the vaulted ceiling of the Enoteca Alessi wine bar is the perfect introduction to the wines of Italy, ideal for any wine-lover!

Chianti Classico - VIP Small Group Guided Tour

Tidy rows of vineyards, silvery-green olive trees and the inky exclamation points of cypresses are the scenic backdrop for this shared, full day small group excursion to the Chianti area where one of the world's most famous wines is produced.
A comfortable minivan will take you around the picturesque Tuscan countryside, making stops at three wineries along the way. Here, a knowledgeable sommelier will show you around the production facilities and the cellars where you will taste wines made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other varieties of purple grapes.
You will learn how to distinguish the flavor and acidity of each wine and, based on its unique characteristics, how to best pair it with food. Some of the excellent olive oils produced in this region will also be sampled.
Lunch will be at a lovely trattoria serving local Tuscan specialties.

Montepulciano & Pienza: Full Day Wine Tour

This full day excursion is a celebration of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy's most outstanding red wines made from a skillful blend of Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo grapes.
Departing from and returning to your Florence or Siena hotel, the first stop is the Boscarelli Vineyards, known for their fine Nobile wine. A visit to the cellars and a wine tasting is included. Next stop is Montepulciano - called "The Pearl of the 16th Century" - a jewel of the Renaissance period. Curving its way along a ridge, the town delights visitors with vino and views.
After a short tour of Montepulciano, you'll visit the historic cellars of Contucci. This wine making family dates back 1,000 years and is one of the 'Fathers' of Vino Nobile. Lunch will be at Diva e Maceo, a lovely trattoria serving local Tuscan specialties.
Afterwards you will head to the Poliziano estate for a guided wine tasting. Final stop of the day is Pienza. The town's main piazza was commissioned by native son Pope Pius II in 1459, and is the first example of Renaissance town planning in Italy. Pienza is also known for its excellent sheep's milk cheese (pecorino di Pienza).

At the Florentine Market

Take a trip back in time to discover the traditions of Florentine market shopping and cooking. Francesca di Leonardo will take you to the San Lorenzo market, introducing you to local produce and customs. Together you'll select the freshest ingredients before returning to Francesca's home to cook a traditional Tuscan meal. This culinary adventure allows you to learn about Italian culture in the most intimate setting -- dinner around the family table.This is a 'home-style' cooking class, which takes place in the private apartment of Francesca di Leonardo, located in Florence's San Frediano district.

Neapolitan Cooking: Fruits and Flavors of the Mediterranean Sun

A real Southern Italian family invites you into their stunning private villa in the center of Sorrento to share with you authentic recipes just like nonna used to make! Local dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), Sorrentine-style gnocchi, lemon chicken or eggplant parmesan - a scrumptious, multi-course meal of whatever is in season at that time of year.
The setting couldn't be more special: the villa is surrounded by a gorgeous, manicured garden full of palms, colorful flowers, fountains, fragrant orange and lemon trees and a typical Pergolato with hand painted ceramic decorations.
All the recipes are clearly demonstrated in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and you'll take a break partway through the lesson for a visit to the wine cellar to taste the family's homemade wine, made from grapes grown right on the property.
Then you'll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labors in a delicious meal by the pool, under the Pergolato or indoors in front of the fireplace. This is an unforgettable experience that will be the highlight of your visit to Sorrento!

Discover Sorrento and Its Renowned Artisan Products

For centuries the spectacular beauty of Sorrento has attracted visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy the magnificent views, welcoming people, and renowned artisan products. During this full day tour you will have the opportunity to experience elements of each, making it a perfect introduction to this picturesque town.
After meeting at your hotel, the tour will lead you through the historical city center, including a visit to the Duomo, Sorrento's 11th century cathedral which houses some of the most celebrated frescoes painted by Neapolitan artists. You will then continue to explore the park of the Villa Comunale, situated on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, the tour will lead you to the charming fishing village of Marina Grande.
From Marina Grande you will venture to a workshop in which Sorrento's typical inlaid woodwork products are handcrafted. Here, you will receive a personal demonstration and explanation of the woodworking process. After the demonstration, visitors will dine on a homemade lunch of regional dishes. The tour concludes with a visit to the producers of Villa Massa Limoncello, a traditional lemon liqueur of the Amalfi Coast, where you will learn about how the product is made, as well as participate in a tasting.

Chianti Sud Wine Tour: Full Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this full day wine excursion to Chianti Country.
Departing from and returning to your Siena hotel, first stop is the town of Radda in Chianti which has its preserved medieval urban design with all the streets of the tiny historic center leading to the main square, Piazza Ferrucci.
After a walking tour of Radda you'll head to the Buondonno Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next stop will be lunch at the Osteria Le Panzanelle, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine.
After lunch you will head either to the village of Vagliagli or to Castelnuovo Berardenga. Then you'll visit the cellars of the Monteraponi estate; a guided tasting follows.

Wine Tastings You Won't Forget

Select Italy is proud to offer a different selection of wine tastings at an establishment that has been recognized as one of the "best Italian eno-tables."
In a spectacular and elegant setting, brought to perfection by a two-year renovation that uncovered original arches, marble columns and an ancient Roman wall from the Augustan era, our clients will enjoy a sophisticated wine tasting featuring some of the most superb Italian wines.
The experience is enhanced by a selection of carefully chosen appetizers, made by master producers from only the freshest local ingredients. An occasion to remember, perfect for those who wish to spend a special evening in an historic setting with the possibility to stretch the pleasure into a fine dining experience at the Enoteca's excellent restaurant.

Gelato and Vino

It may sound like a strange combination, but gelato and wine are two of Florence's best-known creations, so why not explore them together?
Your tasting begins with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the famous gelateria, GROM, where owner Mario will introduce you to artisanal Italian ice cream, explaining the stages of its production and revealing the secrets of its success. It goes without saying, all the gelato is made solely from natural products and with top quality raw materials and the seasonal flavor-of-the-month is a true delight!
The tour continues right across the street, under the vaulted ceilings of the historic wine bar Enoteca Alessi. Here, surrounded by glass cabinets of filled with fine grappas, whiskies and cognac, you'll embark on a tasting menu that includes two Tuscan red wines accompanied by various traditional appetizers. Finally, for dessert, three different flavors of GROM gelato sprinkled with a special balsamic cream will be served.
This 45-minute tasting experience is a great way to learn about the food and wine of Florence, and is ideal for any level of foodie!

Design and wine are the themes of this full day excursion to Montepulciano where modern wineries conceived with a contemporary flair provide wine tasting opportunities that are sure to please wine enthusiasts with a passion for cutting edge art.
Departing from and returning to your Florence or Siena hotel, first stop is Icario, a custom built winery designed by Valle Progettazione. Infused with contemporary art and creativity, both the furniture and interior design take inspiration from the earth's warm hues and the transparency of air. An eclectic mix of color and light characterizes the winery's fascinating contemporary art project, Icario Arte, separated from the wine cellars by an unexpected and ethereal glass floor. After viewing the art installations and learning about the vinification process, a wine tasting will be enjoyed.
Next up is a guided visit to the heart of Montepulciano, a hill town that is home to a number of well-preserved Renaissance palaces, many of which have been adapted to showcase the town's noble red wine. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines are DOCG-approved and, therefore, meet the highest Italian standards. Most local wineries are family run so the connection between wine and territory is deeply felt.
Lunch takes place at the Trattoria Diva e Maceo where Tuscan specialties are served with excellent local wines. Afterwards is a visit to the pristine High Renaissance masterpiece that is the Tempio di San Biagio, designed in 1518 by the celebrated Italian architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder.
The Tenimenti d'Alessandro winery has garnered tremendous praise for its fine wines, particularly the notable Il Bosco. Situated in the village of Manzano near Cortona, the winery visit includes a guided wine tasting and a private viewing of the art collection at Borgo Syrah, an ongoing project in which contemporary art is installed outdoors among the vines.

Archi-Wine Tour: When Architects Meet Winemakers in Umbria (Full Day)

Whether you love red, white or dessert wine, this tour is for you. Montefalco is a majestic hill town in the central part of the province of Perugia, often referred to as the "balcony of Umbria," and home of Sagrantino di Montefalco, one of Italy's most prestigious DOCG wines. This tour departs from Perugia or Assisi and ensures a complete wine-tasting experience, along with a visit to an absolutely unique wine cellar designed by Arnaldo Pomodoro, Italy's greatest contemporary sculptor.
Architecture and sculpture unite in Carapace, Pomodoro's fantastic copper and wood structure whose curved outline is visible from miles away. It is the centerpiece of the Tenuta di Castelbuono winery and was inspired by the natural armor of a turtle's hard shell. Carapace harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding landscape of rolling hills and organic vineyards planted with sagrantino and sangiovese grapes. Inside is a copper-sheathed tasting room where you'll get to sample the estate's fine wines.
Next comes a visit to the charming town of Montefalco, followed by lunch at Enoteca L'Alchimista. This lively restaurant in the center of the town is well known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. A guided tour of the medieval village of Castel Ritaldi follows a lunch of Umbrian specialties. Located at the foot of the Martani Hills on the road to Spoleto, the village contains several interesting churches, in addition to the castle after which it is named.
Final stop is Tenuta di Scacciadiavoli, founded by Prince Ugo Boncompagni-Ludovisi in 1884. This winery is one of Montefalco's oldest and boasts 20 hectares of vineyards, 11 of which are reserved for Sagrantino di Montefalco, six for Montefalco Rosso and three for Grechetto vines.

Cooking Up a Perfect Sienese Meal

If you dream of spending your morning learning how to cook a traditional Tuscan meal, this hands-on experience can help you fulfill that dream and come away with beautiful memories. Chef Lella's cooking class takes place in her culinary school located in the heart of Siena, just a short walk from Piazza del Campo. Siena's cuisine is known to be simple yet flavorful, and is distinguished by the excellence of the ingredients.
During this half-day private cooking class, Chef Lella and her assistant, Jackie, will teach you how to prepare a typical Sienese menu from antipasti to dessert, including a dish of fresh, handmade pasta in a sauce that varies with the season.
At the conclusion of this hands-on lesson, you will get to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you have personally prepared, accompanied by a glass of excellent Tuscan wine. Participants will receive a booklet with the recipes in English so you can repeat this wonderful experience in your own home kitchen.

Chianti Sud Wine Tour: Half Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this half day wine excursion to Chianti Country.
Departing from and returning to your Siena hotel, first stop is the town of Radda in Chianti which has its preserved medieval urban design with all the streets of the tiny historic center leading to the main square, Piazza Ferrucci.
After a walking tour of Radda, you'll head to the Buondonno Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included.
Then, if you choose the morning departure, the last stop will be lunch at the Osteria Le Panzanelle, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine. If you choose the afternoon departure, you'll do a short walk through the village of Vagliagli and then head to the Monteraponi Vineyards in Radda in Chianti; a guided tasting follows.

Ham & Cheese: Parma for Foodies

Are you a foodie? Does the sight of rosy-pink prosciutto make your mouth water? Does Parmigiano-Reggiano increase your heartbeat? Does sweet, thick balsamic vinegar occupy a position of honor in your personal culinary Pantheon? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this is the tour for you!
Your day will begin early at a caseificio where Parmigiano-Reggiano, the "King of Cheeses," is produced. You'll watch as master artisans create what is truly one of the most delicious foods in the world. After a short stop in the medieval village of Torrechiara, dominated by a romantic, fairytale castle, you will drive into the hills surrounding Parma to visit a producer of Prosciutto di Parma. Traditionally sliced thin to the point of near-transparency, this succulent delight melts in your mouth -- you will learn just how it is made and cured to perfection.
Then the wine cellar of a local vineyard situated in the scenic, rolling hills of DOC "Colli di Parma" wine country will open its doors to you. Following the cellar tour, comes an abundant lunch of typical foods and wines in the winery's beautiful tasting room.
For those booking the Full Day Option, after lunch you will continue on to the province of Modena to visit an acetaia where balsamic vinegar is produced. The owner himself will demonstrate how the humble grape is transformed into a powerful, flavorful and magnificent product, and there will be a tasting session at the end of the tour.
This tour can be booked with transportation or without. In the dropdown below, choose the option that is best for you.

The Slow Life I: Food, Wine and Nature in Umbria

As Italy's only peninsular landlocked region, Umbria already sets itself apart from its neighbors, but it is the incredible scenery, rich cuisine, and historical significance of towns such as Assisi and Perugia that makes this small region truly outstanding. This tour combines sport, food, and wine to introduce you to the beauty of the Umbrian landscape, as well as give you a taste of the daily life of its people.
Your morning begins with a 45-minute horseback ride through the Terre Margaritelli winery in Torgiano, just 10 miles from Perugia. No experience is necessary to enjoy this relaxing excursion through the gentle hills and terraced vineyards of the Umbrian countryside. Immediately after the horseback ride, you will tour the winery itself. Typical Umbrian wines such as Malot, Mirantico, Costellato, Pietramala, and Roccascossa are produced here, and the tour culminates with a wine tasting.
Afterwards you'll head to the kitchen where a hands-on cooking class accentuating the traditional dishes of the region will take place. A delicious lunch of the dishes that you and your instructor prepared together follows.

Veni, vidi...gustavi - a Spirited Wine Tasting

Salumeria Roscioli deli boasts 450 different kinds of cheeses, more than 100 different kinds of cured meats, a wine list of some 2,200 labels, 20 different types of homemade bread and a professional team of sommeliers and chefs that are eager to introduce you to Italy's best food and wine.
Choose from three different wine & food experiences, to be held in their private tasting room and wine cellar, the recently opened Rimessa Roscioli. Here, in sight of a perfectly working antique Berkel meat slicer from 1955, you'll find all you need for an unforgettable gourmet wine tasting!

Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour: Full Day

Noble and seductive, Brunello di Montalcino is a grand red wine that is born in the heart of the hills around Siena. It is the work of one man, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, whose patient efforts first brought this wine to light in 1888. Celebrate his invention on this full day wine excursion to Brunello country.
Departing from and returning to your Florence or Siena hotel, first stop is the Altesino Vineyards. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting of their fine Brunello is included. This is followed by a walking tour of the village of Montalcino. Here you'll be captivated by picturesque, narrow streets surmounted by the medieval fortress, La Rocca.
Lunch at the Taverna Grappolo Blu in Montalcino will introduce you to authentic local dishes like the thick, hand rolled spaghetti called pici. After a delicious lunch you'll head to the 12th century Abbey of Sant'Antimo. In a serene setting of rolling hills blanketed in olive groves and vineyards, the Augustinian friars maintain the ancient tradition of Gregorian Chant. Afterwards you'll visit the cellars of the Poggio Antico estate; a guided tasting follows.

Parmigiano, Culatello and... Cooking!

Parma is the undisputed capital city of the Italian Food Valley, and this tour gives participants the chance to learn about the local gastronomy by visiting selected producers to taste their wares. A hands-on cooking class in a Michelin-starred kitchen follows where you'll learn the secrets to making the region's traditional pastas.
The day starts out with Parmigiano-Reggiano, the regal "King of Cheeses." Smell the milk, feel the steam and tap the enormous wheels of cheese! A tasting session follows the tour of the production facilities.
Afterwards you'll be welcomed at the Antica Corte Pallavicina, a medieval estate that hides in its 12th century aging cellars more that 5,000 Culatello di Zibello hams, the world's most precious cold cut. Who are some of the famous clients who have discovered this amazing product? Prince Charles of England, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Giorgio Armani, to name just three.
You'll visit of this intriguing labyrinth of flavors and then participate in a hands-on cooking lesson focused on pasta: a real full immersion in how to make anolini, tortelli, ravioli, tagliolini, tagliatelle, stringoni, and pasta rasa by hand. Lunch with the food you have personally cooked, together with a selection of the cured meats produced on the farm, will follow the class.
This tour can be booked with transportation or without. In the dropdown below, choose the option that is best for you.

Classic Tuscan Red Wines

This wine tasting takes place under the vaulted ceiling of the Enoteca Alessi wine bar, surrounded by glass cabinets filled with fine grappas, whiskies and cognac. Your sommelier will take you through Tuscany's best flavors in this fascinating tour entirely dedicated to Tuscan wines and delicacies.
You will have the chance to taste three of the best red wines in the world: Chianti Classico Riserva, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, accompanied by traditional bruschette and a selection of the best cured meats and cheeses of the area.
Finish with a glass of historic Vin Santo; this sublime sweet dessert wine is enjoyed along with cantuccini - typical, hard almond biscuits that come from the nearby city of Prato.

Contemporary architecture generally seeks to dissociate itself from the world of emotions in order to create a rational relationship between building and man, devoid of all emotion. In some places, though, the synergy between architecture and its surroundings has been recreated. This is the case at two unique Tuscan wineries where indigenous style and age-old traditions have embraced modern designs and technologies.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Florence, first stop is La Rocca di Frassinello winery where a joint venture between Italian and French wine producers hired world-famous superstar architect Renzo Piano to design their new winemaking facility and cellars. The result is breathtaking, combining traditional forms of Tuscan architecture with an industrial theme that features steel-mesh shades, a terracotta piazza and a tall spire concealing heliostats that reflect daylight into the interior. The underground cellar resembles an amphitheater lined with 2,500 barrels of wine; here a guided tasting of the estate's finest vintages will be held.
The park of the Villa Guerrazzi in Cecina is the leafy setting for an al fresco lunch at the Osteria Enoteca la Cinquantina. Traditional Tuscan dishes using local fish and seafood are accompanied by an exclusive selection of wines. After lunch, enjoy a short walk on the beach.
Petra in Suvereto is a state-of-the-art winery designed by renowned Italian architect Mario Botta in 2000. An oblique, cylindrical structure of golden-hued stone divided in two by a steeply rising exterior staircase, this magnificent building is as bold as the Super-Tuscans you will sample in the guided wine tasting.

A Day in Mamma Agata' s Kitchen (Shared Cooking Class)

Mamma Agata's cooking class takes place in her private home situated high on a cliff top, 1,000 feet above sea level. Her gracious home majestically overlooks the Amalfi Coast, with wonderful terraces and a spacious garden full of lemon trees, fruit trees, flowers, vegetables and poultry.
Mamma Agata has been the chef for many major Hollywood actors and actresses, including Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart and Fred Astaire. During the cooking class you will have the opportunity to learn how to create wonderful Mediterranean dishes, from antipasti to dessert; each recipe will be accompanied by Mamma Agata's personal and very entertaining anecdotes. During the preparation, you'll also get to taste all the ingredients used such as sundried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil and Gennaro's home made wine.
Mamma Agata's daughter, Chiara and her husband Gennaro will assist you during the cooking class. They share Mamma's love and passion for cooking and will make you feel truly welcome in their stunning Italian home. At the end of the lesson lunch will be served on the beautiful terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea where you'll dine the dishes that you cooked.
This is an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, and is a must for anyone interested in Italian culture and cuisine.

Florentine Masters: Art & Wine

Famous for its abundance of art, history, charming vistas and sophisticated wines, Florence does seem to have the best of all worlds! With only a day to spare, see what this intriguing city has to offer on a guided tour that will give you a glimpse of Florentine cultural wealth and a taste of the best Tuscan wines.
The visit starts in the heart of the Roman city (now Piazza della Repubblica); walking through medieval streets, you will pass many still visible, fortified family towers. Then comes the small oratory of San Martino dei Buonomini whose interior is covered with Renaissance frescoes and is surrounded by houses that once belonged to Dante.
Piazza della Signoria is next -- it is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and adorned with a copy of Michelangelo's "David" in its original location. More statues in marble and bronze are displayed in the Loggia dei Lanzi. After passing the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in the neighborhood where the young Michelangelo once lived, the stroll ends in the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce. Famous men such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini are buried here, amidst impressive frescoes and sculptures.
After the historical part of the tour, you will head over to the Enoteca Alessi. This wine bar is one of the oldest in Florence and occupies the site of two Jewish oratories that were built right outside the Ghetto. Under vaulted ceilings you will taste three of the best red wines in the world: Chianti Classico Riserva, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, accompanied by traditional bruschetthe and a selection of cured meats and cheeses from the region. A glass of Vin Santo - a sublime sweet dessert wine - along with the typical, hard, almond biscuits called cantuccini will provide a sweet finish to your tour.

Tuscan Cooking: Fruits and Flavors of Chianti Country

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, travel to the Badia a Coltibuono, an evocative 11th century abbey in the heart of Tuscany that is also the cooking school of famed cookbook writer, Lorenza de Medici. In this hands-on lesson you will prepare a traditional Tuscan meal with the Badia's Florentine chef, Andrea Gagnesi, and taste world-class wines and olive oils produced on the estate.
Chef Gagnesi will guide you through the preparation of a full four-course regional meal, starting with antipasti and ending with dessert. Enjoy the delicious dishes you just made in the beautiful private dining room while sampling their very own wines. After lunch, you will relax in the living room where coffee and grappa will be served.
The three-hour lesson is preceded by a guided tour of the property, providing a chance to immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle and hospitality of a 1,000 year old abbey while savoring the authentic tastes and sights that this remarkable region has to offer. Badia a Coltibuono is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Italy!

Olive Trees in A Tuscan Landscape

Renowned for its picturesque landscape, punctuated by dark, green cypresses and silvery-green olive trees, Tuscany produces one of the finest olive oils in Italy. This tour will take you to the heart of the Tuscan oil kingdom, where the olives are still picked by hand from ancient olive trees.
Departing from and returning to your Florence hotel, first stop is Impruneta, a small country town known for its production of terracotta. Here you will admire the large main square; at one end is the church of the Collegiata, containing beautiful works in enameled terracotta by the Renaissance master, Luca della Robbia. A visit to nearby factory will introduce you to the ancient art of making terracotta.
Afterwards you'll drive through vineyards and olive orchards to the Fattoria Torrerossa. They produce fine, extra-virgin olive oil that is still stored in enormous, antique terracotta jars. The estate's olive groves extend for about 50 acres, and local varieties such as Frantoio, Moraiolo, Pendolino and Leccino can be found among its 4,000 trees. A visit to the oil cellar with its old oil press and a guided oil tasting is included.
Then you'll stop for lunch at Osteria Antica Sosta in Impruneta; here you can taste real Tuscan home-cooking, accompanied by a large assortment of wines. Final stop of the day is Fattoria La Querce where a guided tour will introduce you to the estate's award-winning wines and olive oils.

Pizza Romana

Italy's most widely known dish is none other than pizza. Why, you ask? Because it's fast, it's flavorful, it's fresh, it's fragrant and it's fantastic! Pizza may be common in the US, but it's nothing like what you'll find in Rome!
Pizza, as we know it, was invented in Naples in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy. A local chef created the still famous "Pizza Margherita," garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Today traditional Italian pizza can be found all over Italy, but Romans have their own special way of preparing it.
At this culinary school in the Prati neighborhood of Rome, you'll put on a bright orange apron and learn how to make genuine pizza alla Romana -- a thin-crusted, hand-tossed pizza that is all crunchy goodness. You'll make a variety of pizzas with traditional Roman toppings and, with the help of our chef, you will create a pizza buffet for lunch. When you leave Rome, you'll be taking home a new skill that will wow your friends!

At the Roman Market

One of the most accurate stereotypes about Italy is that the "Italians don't eat to live, they live to eat!" And Romans eat (and cook) with a special brio that is also expressed in the city's vibrant and colorful markets. This half-day lesson combines a market visit with the hands-on preparation of an authentic, multi-course Roman meal.
You will meet Valeria, a native Roman, at her cooking school in the Prati neighborhood of Rome and accompany her to an eclectic Roman market. She'll show you how to navigate the market stalls without getting flustered, how to purchase just what you need and how to use these same ingredients to prepare tasty and characteristic dishes.
Then you'll return to the cooking school to prepare and enjoy a traditional Roman meal, using the fresh ingredients you found at the market. You will learn the secrets of Italian cuisine while having fun with people that share your passion for food. And you'll realize that you have paid not only for an excellent class, but also for an exquisite meal!

Drink, Eat and Be Merry on Lake Como

The majestic, snow-covered mountains and translucent lake that border Bellagio serve as the backdrop for this fun and informative, 60-minute wine tasting at the Enoteca Cava Turacciolo, a quaint wine cellar hidden just off the village's main street. Here a carefully chosen wine list of over 300 labels awaits and, since Italians don't like to drink on an empty stomach, a stupendous variety of cheeses, cured meats, and freshwater fish will be offered too.
During this sommelier-guided wine journey, you will have the opportunity to taste three of the most illustrious wines of the Lombardy region, each displaying a distinctive trait that is native to the surrounding territory. The two tasting options - the Wines of Lombardy or the Wines of Lake Como - feature one white and two red wines. Along with every glass will be served a selection of appetizers chosen to enhance the flavors of the accompanying wine.

Sassicaia and the Coastal Wines Tour: Full Day

Wine connoisseurs will certainly be familiar with the name, Sassicaia. This wine's ultra-famous status comes from the fact that it is one of the world's most expensive and precious wines; so famous that it even has a car dedicated to it, the FIAT 500 by Aznom. Sassiccaia's superb quality is due to the labors of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta who painstakingly planted French Cabernet grapes along the Tuscan coast and reaped the benefits of this non-indigenous grape's superior flavor.
On the Sassicaia and the Coastal Wines tour, you will taste this incredible Cabernet and indulge in its exquisite flavor, following an extensive guided tour of the winery grounds and wine cellar. You'll also get to sample the marvelous extra-virgin olive oil that is produced in the same region, whose unmistakable aroma permeates the hills of Tuscany.
Enoteca Tognoni, a rustic locale situated in the heart of the tiny village of Bolgheri, is the perfect place for an abundant Tuscan lunch. Last stop of the day is one of the wineries where Sassiccaia was first produced. Here you'll enjoy a final wine tasting and learn to differentiate between the various ages and flavors of the local wines.

Barolo Tour: 'King of Wines, Wine of Kings'

The rolling hills of the Langhe region set the scene for this full-day guided tour that shines the spotlight on the noble Barolo, known as the 'King of Wines and Wine of Kings.' In the past 15 years or so, Barolo has really come into its own. Recent harvests have produced astounding vintages, the fruits of which are currently being enjoyed by wine drinkers worldwide.
Starting from and returning to your hotel in the Langhe area, this tour begins in Grinzane Cavour where you'll visit the impressive 13th century castle that houses the Enoteca Regionale and an ethnographic museum. The castle has historic ties to both the production of Barolo and to the unification of Italy. After a short walk to the Falletti di Barolo castle, erected in the 10th century, your next stop will be a little village, where you'll visit the historic cellars of a renowned producer. A wine tasting will follow.
The tour gets to the village of La Morra right around lunchtime and your guide will be happy to suggest a local osteria, where you can sample some traditional Piedmontese specialties.
A last winery visit and tasting follows to help broaden your appreciation of the subtleties of Barolos from different producers and of different years of production. Your final stop for the day is Alba, world famous for its association with tartufi bianchi (white truffles). Here you'll have a guided tour of Alba's historic center with ample time for shopping along the Via Maestra.

Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tasting

This Venetian-style pub crawl provides excellent insight into the "real" Venice, far from the crowds in Piazza San Marco. You will get a glimpse of the daily life of the city's 60,000 full-time inhabitants as you follow Cecilia, your friendly and knowledgeable guide, on an off-the-beaten-track tour of some local hideaways that, as a tourist, you might not find on your own. The objective is to munch on some really delectable bar snacks - the Venetians call them cicchetti - with little glasses of wine known as ombre.
Campo della Maddalena, a small square of colorful houses unchanged since medieval times, is the starting point for this three-hour shared tour. Many of these modest houses are topped with unusual chimneys and the first historic bacaro (wine bar) you will visit used to be a warehouse for storing coal. Amidst old iron tools, dark wooden beams and barrels of wine you will taste bruschetta (small slices of toasted bread) topped with mouthwatering ingredients that change every day, depending on the season: baccala' mantecato (creamy cod fish), soft cheeses and sweet pumpkin, to name just a few.
Around the corner in the Strada Nuova is Alla Vedova (the widow's place) that has been feeding hungry Venetians since the 18th century. It is justly famous for its polpette (spicy fried meatballs), which are delicious when washed down with a glass of Merlot or Pinot Bianco. Then you will head to Campo Santa Sofia.
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After a stroll through the outdoor market, you will enter a hole-in-the-wall place that serves a simple but tasty selection of cicchetti accompanied by regional Italian wines and Prosecco. Stop by a couple of other bacari where the market vendors go - you will visit five in all - and then, on the steps of the Rialto Bridge, say arrivederci to the new-found friends with whom you have shared an unforgettable gastronomic tour of Venice's hidden corners.
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and the actual tour might vary.

Learn to Cook a Venetian Meal

The cooking class takes place in the chef's cheerful home kitchen, located in the heart of Venice. During this lesson, you will learn the secrets of Venetian cuisine, as well as discover the regional products that make it one of the most prized methods of cooking in Italian cuisine.
Chef Isabella will teach you how to prepare a delicious three-course meal using fresh, local ingredients. You will be introduced like as the best way to filet a sea bass and how to prepare a quick and tasty dessert. The menu for this class will be decided by the chef based on season and available ingredients.
At the conclusion of this hands-on lesson, you will sit down and enjoy the meal you have personally prepared. Participants will also receive a booklet with the recipes in English so that you can repeat this wonderful experience in your own home kitchen.

Chocolate, Wine, and Cheese of Piedmont - Full Day Wine Excursion

Savor the most sought after delights of Piedmont in this full-day tour that takes you into the heart of the Barolo wine region. Discover the tastes of this territory by sampling and purchasing some of the best flavors in wines, cheeses and chocolates.
Departing from your your hotel in the Langhe area, your first stop will be the town of Cherasco that combines snail farming and fine chocolate production in a historic setting. Here you will visit a traditional chocolate producer and sample a variety of chocolates, including the renowned baci di Cherasco.
Next stop is Bra, home of the cheese that bears the town's name and birthplace of the influential Slow Food movement. Visit a cheese-producing farm that dates back to the early 1900's and enjoy a guided tasting of a variety of their cheeses.
A sightseeing tour of the Langhe wine-growing region will follow. After a brief stop at the wine bank in Pollenzo, you'll continue on to the imposing 13th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour (exterior only); the castle's red brick profile can be seen from all over the Langhe. You'll then head to the village of La Morra where you'll have time to shop or have lunch in a local restaurant (lunch not included in tour price).
Final stop of this gourmet day will be one of the 11 picturesque Barolo villages where you'll visit the historic cellars of a renowned producer of Barolo wine with a tasting of three/four wines to follow.

De-Wine: Wines of the Castelli Romani, summer residence of the Popes

Frascati DOC wine is produced in the green hills around Rome in a picturesque area of castles and lakes known as the Castelli Romani . The territory is at the foot of Mount Tuscolo, where ancient Tusculum once stood, and where the town of Frascati now lies.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Rome, this tour starts with a guided visit to the Azienda Agricola Casale Marchese in Frascati. The estate, first mentioned by Pope Boniface VIII in 1301, is dedicated mainly to specific grape cultivars like Malvasia del Lazio, Cesanese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated in the heart of the Frascati DOC zone, its 125 acres overlook one of the most charming landscapes of the Tuscolo hills, where the vineyards are interspersed with ancient olive groves. During the guided visit, you will have the opportunity to try a wide range of wines while seated on the panoramic terrace with a spectacular view that stretches all the way to Rome.
Afterwards, you'll ahead to Frascati for a short guided tour of this town, one of the most important historical and cultural centers in Latium. Lunch at Osteria Zaraza' , a typical Italian trattoria serving local specialties, follows.
The last stop will be at the Azienda Agricola Colle Picchioni where you'll have a guided tour of the cellars and savor some of the best wines of the Lazio region.

Florence for Foodies: A Small Group Tour

During this 3.5-hour small group tour you will be immersed in a magical tasting experience, enjoying eight genuine, exquisite Italian dishes typical of the Florentine cuisine. The delectable food combined with the elegant and beautiful surroundings will create an experience that is impossible to forget. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will take you to the best foodie gems in Florence, many of which are located in lovely non-touristy areas.
First stop on this tour is a coffee bar, where you will have the chance to try an authentic Italian espresso. Next, by walking through the Florence's enchanting fashion borough, you will reach Procacci, an antique delicatessen owned by the Antinori family that serves appetizing truffle sandwiches which are impossible to resist.
A wide variety of heavenly cheeses and olive oils, as well as a seasonal specialty, will be waiting for you at the San Lorenzo market, a hub for mouthwatering and fresh treats.
Next stop is a lovely wine bar, where your sommelier will teach you various wine characteristics, including colors, flavors and location of production. During this tasting, you will have the chance to try one glass of the best red wines in the world and one glass of Vin Santo - a sublime sweet dessert wine - along with the typical, hard, almond biscuits called cantuccini.
Your next and last stop on this tour will be an artigianal gelateria in the heart of the city. What better way to end your foodie tour?

From Farm to Table: Sicilian Cuisine on the Regaleali Estate

About halfway between Palermo, on the north coast of Sicily, and Agrigento, on the south, lies one of the island's premier wineries and cooking schools - Regaleali, which has been in the family of Count Lucio Tasca since 1830. The almost 3,000 acre Regaleali estate and its cooking school draws culinary professionals from around the world and is practically self sufficient, producing most of the vegetables, fruits, wheat, olives, cheeses and meats used in the classes.
In the charming country kitchen of Le Case Vecchie, immersed in the vineyards, you will learn to make authentic Sicilian dishes under the expert guidance of Fabrizia Tasca Lanza, an art and food historian and cookbook author, before discovering the rich history of the surrounding areas of Sicily.
The two-hour cooking class focuses on fresh and season flavors and is followed by a meal with the food you have personally prepared, paired with some of the exquisite wines produced on the estate. After lunch, the day will continue as you embark on a half-day journey to discover the surrounding cultural beauty of Sicily, visiting either the Norman Castle of Mussomeli, Gulfa Grotta, the Medieval village of Polizzi Generosa, or the Norman Castle of Cefalu'.

Cucina Siciliana

Not everyone has a Sicilian grandmother... but that doesn't mean you can't learn to cook like one! Well-known cookbook writer Eleonora Consoli invites you into her spacious home kitchen to learn how to cook the Sicilian way, infusing every dish with the essence of the sun and sea.
Her typical Sicilian home, dating from the 18th century, is situated in one of the most characteristic villages on the slopes of Mount Etna. Each lesson comprises a complete, 4-course menu and you may choose to actively participate to knead handmade pasta dough, form meatballs, and control sauce consistency.
As you cook together, Eleonora shares personal anecdotes and stories of the Sicilian culture and it age-old traditions, habits and culinary customs. Afterwards you will sit down and enjoy a scrumptious meal of which you can be proud!

Women in a Man's World: Tuscan Wine Tasting

Don't tell Donatella Cinelli Colombini that women are the "weaker sex"! Her Casato delle Prime Donne winery in the gorgeous, UNESCO-protected landscape of the Val d'Orcia right outside Montalcino is unique in Italy - all of the wine makers are women and the Brunello they produce has won many awards.
You will taste this very special wine and learn how it is made in this fascinating guided tour of the newest fermentation facility at the "House of First Women" estate. Three different types of wine, one of which is a prized Brunello, are yours to sample and savor, followed by a delicious light lunch consisting of Tuscan salami, aged pecorino, and bruschette with three types of extra-virgin olive oil produced at their sister estate, Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda.
To finish off this unique and woman-empowering experience, you are welcome to take a leisurely stroll down a path through the vineyards; here, each rest stop is enhanced by modern art and the sayings of past winners of the annual Casato Prime Donne Award.

Wine & Truffles : Full Day Wine Excursion from the Langhe area

This full-day culinary expedition will introduce you to the wonderful world of truffles and will give you a taste of two of Italy's most festive wines. No gourmet morsel is as exotic and luxurious as the white truffle - il tartufo bianco. These delicacies, which can cost thousands of dollars per pound, grow only in the wild and can only be found by expert foragers aided by highly trained dogs.
Starting from and returning to your hotel in the Langhe area, this tour will take you to the heart of the truffle's earthy home, in the hills of the Monferrato region. You will meet a trifulau and you'll learn about the area's food traditions and local truffle varieties. Armed with this knowledge, you'll head out with your guide and his inseparable dogs on your very own truffle hunt.
Alba, world famous for its association with tartufi bianchi (white truffles), will be up next. Here you'll have some free time for lunch. Afterwards you'll visit a renowned Barbaresco producer. This fine violet-colored red wine, is considered to be one of the great "B"s of Piedmont, along with Barolo and Barbera. A tour of a local winery and a wine tasting will conclude the day.

Taste of Northern Italy: Food & Wine in Valpolicella

Discover the beauty and the flavors found in the Valpolicella wine country of the Veneto region on this full day guided tour. You'll take the most scenic backroads to two different wineries and to a characteristic restaurant and, along the way, your tour guide will illuminate all the special features of this beautiful region. Sample regional cuisine and learn just how these wineries produce world-class wines with subtle yet significant differences.
Meander through the rolling hills of the Veneto to reach the first vineyard, Novaia. You will tour the estate's tree-shaded grounds and learn about the conditions needed to produce the grapes used in their special wines. A wine tasting with the experts will follow.
Lunch at Ristorante Al Covolo comes next. Specializing in homemade pastas and sweets, as well as meats slow-cooked in wine, Al Covolo is a fine example of the local traditions prevalent in the Valpolicella region. They also have an extensive enoteca with a large variety of wines for sale.
A pleasant drive through the undulating hills takes you to the second vineyard, Azienda Agricola Coali. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of the subtle differences in production techniques that give these wines their unique flavors. Enjoy a full wine tasting, as well as a tour of the grounds.
Final stop of the day will be the 13th century church of San Giorgio; then it's back to Venice after a fun-filled day of touring and tasting the finest wines and foods of the Vapolicella region.

Veneto: The Land of Prosecco

In the hills around the villages of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, you will enter a magical world: the land of Prosecco. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages are the scenic backdrop for this full day excursion, and this Italian sparkling white wine - often called Italian champagne due to its crisp, bubbly taste - will be your guide.
After a short stop by a waterfall beside an old mill, you'll head to the Toffoli Vineyards, known for their fine Prosecco. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included, with some local delicacies to accompany the wine. Here you'll be able to learn how a simple white wine can become an excellent, sparkling Prosecco. This family-run business has adopted a system to exploit the natural preservatives contained in the skins of the grapes, adding virtually no sulphates that often cause headaches; the result is one of the most remarkable Proseccos on the market.
The Molinetto della Croda, an ancient grist mill in the Lierza valley, has inspired artists and charmed thousands of visitors in its nearly four centuries of history. After a short stop at the mill, you'll take the "Strada del Prosecco," characterized by some truly astounding scenery. There will be ample opportunities to take photos; for example, in the picturesque little village of Rolle.
Lunch will be at a local trattoria, a lovely place serving typical Veneto cuisine with a panoramic view of the vineyards. After lunch you'll head to the Bortolotti Winery in Valdobbiadene where you'll visit the cellars and enjoy a guided wine tasting.

Alba is a picturesque, medieval town in the heart of Piedmont. It is the capital of the Langhe and is known worldwide for its prestigious truffles and red Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Here, modern architects have been rethinking the winery as a contemporary expression of tradition and innovation, agriculture and technology, and production and hospitality.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Alba or La Morra, this tour will introduce you to various aspects of the Ceretto brand. First stop is the colorful, little Cappella delle Brunate outside La Morra. Built in 1914 for the people who worked in the surrounding vineyards, this unconsecrated chapel gradually fell into a state of disrepair. The owner of the Ceretto Winery decided to hire two well-known artists, Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett, to turn the abandoned chapel into a piece of contemporary art. The artists' fee? Bottles of Barolo wine from the Ceretto family cellars!
Your tour will carry on with a visit to "The Cube" at Ceretto's Bricco Rocche Winery in Castiglione Falletto. "The Cube" is a modern, hi-tech work of art in an inimitable setting. Designed by the Turin architectural firm, Deabate, it is fully-transparent landscape architecture presented as sculpture and blends beautifully into the surrounding countryside. Here, only Barolo wine is produced, for an annual production of 40,000 bottles.
Next stop will be Ceretto's headquarters at the Monsordo Bernardina Winery right outside Alba. Housed in an 18th century farmstead, this project is a magnificent combination of tradition and innovation. Architect Giuseppe Blengini was inspired by the colors of the vines and the fascinating irregularity of the vineyards to create a state-of-the-art space dedicated to wine production and hospitality. A wine tasting is included.
You'll have lunch at Ristorante La Piola in Alba's beautiful Piazza Duomo where you will dine on traditional Piedmont dishes, accompanied by an exclusive selection of wines. Afterwards, your tour will continue at Tartuflanghe in Piobesi d'Alba, one of the region's most influential truffle sellers. A culinary workshop will demonstrate the various processes involved in the preparation of white and black truffles. You'll also participate in a truffle hunting simulation.

Alba is a picturesque, medieval town in the heart of Piedmont. It is the capital of the Langhe and is known worldwide for its prestigious truffles and red Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Here, modern architects have been rethinking the winery as a contemporary expression of tradition and innovation, agriculture and technology, and production and hospitality.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Alba or La Morra, this tour will introduce you to various aspects of the Ceretto brand. First stop is the colorful, little Cappella delle Brunate outside La Morra. Built in 1914 for the people who worked in the surrounding vineyards, this unconsecrated chapel gradually fell into a state of disrepair. The owner of the Ceretto Winery decided to hire two well-known artists, Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett, to turn the abandoned chapel into a piece of contemporary art. The artists' fee? Bottles of Barolo wine from the Ceretto family cellars!
Your tour will carry on with a visit to "The Cube" at Ceretto's Bricco Rocche Winery in Castiglione Falletto. "The Cube" is a modern, hi-tech work of art in an inimitable setting. Designed by the Turin architectural firm, Deabate, it is fully-transparent landscape architecture presented as sculpture and blends beautifully into the surrounding countryside. Here, only Barolo wine is produced, for an annual production of 40,000 bottles.
Next stop will be Ceretto's headquarters at the Monsordo Bernardina Winery right outside Alba. Housed in an 18th century farmstead, this project is a magnificent combination of tradition and innovation. Architect Giuseppe Blengini was inspired by the colors of the vines and the fascinating irregularity of the vineyards to create a state-of-the-art space dedicated to wine production and hospitality. The visit includes a wine tasting.
A delicious lunch of traditional Piedmont dishes, accompanied by an exclusive selection of wines, concludes the tour. The setting is Ristorante La Piola in Alba's beautiful Piazza Duomo, right in the center of town.

Decadent Indulgence - Wine & Chocolate in Florence

Italy is the land of sweet indulgence: nothing says decadence quite like mouth-watering chocolates accompanied by dessert wines hand-picked as perfect choco-complements. In this wine and chocolate tasting, you will delight your palate with a luxurious selection of chocolates as well as three wines specifically chosen by our sommelier to go with them.

Immerse yourself in Tuscan cuisine at Il Maccherone

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, a mere 20-minute ride from Florence, lies Il Maccherone, a family-owned trattoria that has earned itself a wonderful reputation for preserving the authentic flavors of Tuscany while simultaneously capitalizing on innovative culinary techniques. As such, Il Maccherone is the perfect venue for both traditional and modern-day Tuscan cooking classes.
Cooking is the birthright of Chef Sabrina Somigli. The daughter of two successful Florentine restaurateurs, Sabrina has been in the kitchen all her life. In addition to her extensive life experience, she has devoted herself to the nitty-gritty science of food, earning a degree in Agricultural Bio-technology and a Ph.D in Microbiology. Needless to say, she's a master chef and an unparalleled guru in the art of cooking!
On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, Sabrina will teach a 3-hour cooking class in Il Maccherone's kitchen. Students will be fully immersed in the Tuscan cooking tradition and will master exquisite gourmet dishes that they will be able to recreate for friends and family.
Afterwards, the class will sit down together to enjoy a wonderful meal with expertly paired wines. Students can choose from a variety of seasonal menus, so there's a cooking class to suit every taste!

Wines of the Doges - Wine Tasting in Venice

Wine has always been more popular than water in La Serenissima. The Veneto produces more wine than any other region in Italy and the city's wine bars, or bacari, serve an average of 50,000 glasses of wine each day!
This two-hour guided tasting takes place in a typical Venetian bacaro in the afternoon hours, and focuses on the wines produced in the Tri-Veneto area (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia-Giulia). Our expert sommelier will introduce you to local wines.
Three different wines in all, selected according to quality, theme and the season. Then there are Venetian cicchetti -- freshly prepared fish, cheese or meat appetizers - to teach you everything you need to know about the pairing of food and wine.

Balsamic Vinegar Tasting

Wine tastings are famous, but have you ever heard about a balsamic vinegar tasting? This phenomenon is becoming ever more popular with gourmet travelers and those who are curious about how Italians eat.
During this 45-minute tasting, you will learn everything about the production of balsamic vinegar and how the humble grape is transformed into a powerful and flavorful product. The way the wine is aged affects the taste and consistency of the vinegar so you will start by trying eight types of balsamic vinegars, ranging from the youngest to the oldest. Not only will the taste be different, but also the color and the smell.
After sampling all of the vinegars by themselves, including a real traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, you will try them paired with a wide selection of meats, Tuscan cheeses, vegetables, and even fresh fruits! Traditional Tuscan bruschette and a glass of wine of your choice will be also served.

Flavors of the Langhe: Winery Visit and Lunch with Ceretto from Turin

Not very long ago, Piedmontese winemakers followed the negotiant method of making wine, buying grapes from their neighbors and assembling grapes grown on various properties by multiple growers. The Ceretto brothers were two of the first in the region to insist that they have their hands in the full winemaking process from vineyards to bottle, and, despite naysayers and disbelievers, purchased a small piece of land in Langhe area. It didn't take long for the wines to gain international acclaim, and the family now owns 160 hectares of vineyards with wines that are praised their exceptional quality and commitment to expressing pure Piedmontese terroir.
Departing from and returning to your Turin hotel, you will begin your day with a visit to the Ceretto Cantina in Monsordo Bernardina, the winery's official headquarters. You will experience L'Acino, an architectural masterpiece suspended over the surrounding vineyards and an homage to the family's passion for fine art and architecture. Your tour will continue with a guided visit to the cantina, where you will learn how the wines are meticulously produced and bottled before finishing your tour with a tasting of four wines: one Blange, one Cru Barbaresco, and two Cru Barolo's.
They day will continue at Ceretto's Three Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Piazza Duomo. Here, you will enjoy a fine-dining experience in the heart of Alba with a six-course gourmet lunch of elevated traditional Piedmontese dishes paired with the best Ceretto wines.

A Cooking Lesson in the Land of Slow Food

Bra, renowned as the birthplace of the international Slow Food movement, is a pleasant, provincial market town about ten miles west of Alba. The glorious culinary tradition of Piedmont, combined with the regional food specialties that Slow Food has undertaken to protect and disseminate, make this the ideal setting for a hands-on cooking lesson taught by a local cook. Maria will invite you into her homey kitchen and share with you the recipes she learned from her mother and grandmother.
You will meet Maria in the historic Caffe' Converso in the center of Bra where, over a creamy cappuccino and a freshly baked brioche, you'll discuss the menu and decide together the dishes to be prepared during the class. Then it's off to the local produce market to buy the freshest, seasonal ingredients, followed by a stop at the butcher, the baker and finally at a specialty food and wine shop offering the highest-quality cheeses and small production wines.
After your shopping expedition, you will enter Maria's kitchen to cook a delicious, 4-course Italian meal with wine. This is a hands-on cooking class lasting approximately 2 hours in which you will learn the secrets to making a perfect risotto, and how to bake a scrumptious dessert. Then comes the best part - you get to sit down and enjoy the dishes you have personally prepared, accompanied by a glass of Piedmont wine.

A Taste of Sardinia

If you are a lover of good wines and local flavors, this half-day tour is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed! Departing from and returning to your hotel in Cagliari, your driver will take you to Seridiana, a picturesque rural area near the city of Cagliari. Dotted with olive groves, fields and vineyards, this fertile land has produced bread, oil and wine for thousands of years.
Here, the Argiolas' family will open the doors of their winery to you. In this place where, from father to child, wine traditions have been handed down for three generations, you will learn about the age-old, traditional equipment used by Italian winemakers, as well as visit the cellars where the must is kept for fermentation and the wine is aged in wooden barrels.
After the visit to the production facilities, a knowledgeable expert will guide you through a tasting of Sardinian wines, matching them to some of the most typical gastronomic products of the region. Examples of the DOC wines you will taste are Selegas, Costamolino, Perdera and Costera.

A Visit to Naples' Most Traditional Pizzerias

Many people know about Naples' exceptional beauties, its culture and precious artworks, but not everyone knows that Naples is also the kingdom of pizza!
A story tells that in 1889, when pizza had not yet become a popular dish and was usually eaten only by poor people, the Neapolitan owner of a tavern, Raffaele Esposito, honored the Queen Margherita of Savoy with a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. This delicious experiment gave birth to the legendary Pizza Margherita.
This 3-hour guided tour is a multi-sensory experience merging local history and flavors. As you walk through the picturesque, narrow lanes of the historic center, admiring its glorious monuments and architecture, you will relive the chronicle of pizza, from the tale of its creation to its worldwide success.
An art historian and pizza expert will lead you on this enthusiastic journey, passing by the city's most characteristic churches and monuments, to reach the temples of taste of its most illustrious pizza makers such as Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Pizzeria Trianon, Pizzeria Di Matteo and many others. The tour also includes a stop at San Lorenzo Maggiore, an archeological site underneath the basilica where you can see a perfectly preserved pizza oven dating back to ancient Roman times.
Pastecresciute, frittatine and battilocchio, typical Neapolitan fried snacks, and pizza will be served along the way. Take this tour and you will fall in love with Naples at the first bite!

Allegrini Winery Visit at Villa della Torre from Venice

Discover the beauty and the flavors of the Veneto's Valpolicella wine country with this exclusive private visit to the Villa della Torre, the principal estate of the Allegrini family and headquarters of their wine making operation.
Completed around 1560, the Villa della Torre is an authentic masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that owes its construction to the learned intellectual and humanist, Giulio della Torre. Contributors to the architectural project included Giulio Romano, Michele Sanmicheli, Bartolomeo Ridolfi, and Giulio Della Torre himself. The villa was purchased by the Allegrini four years ago. It is surrounded by the Podere della Torre vineyards, whose namesake wine is famous for its intensity and complexity and has been named six times in the Top 100 Wines of Spectator.
Departing from Piazzale Roma in Venice, you will first stop for an introduction to the historic cantina with an explanation of the centuries-old production practices of the Veneto area. The tour will then continue to the Villa della Torre where you will be privately guided through the interior of the villa and visit the mysterious temple of Jupiter Ammon, positioned at the highest point of the entire villa complex overlooking the vineyards. Your visit will conclude in the splendid tasting room where you will be served a light lunch, accompanied by three of the family's best wines, including their illustrious Amarone.

Badia a Passignano and The Great Antinori Wines

Immerse yourself in a private, sublime wine experience hosted by the great Antinori family at Badia a Passignano, a fourth century abbey founded by the archbishop of Florence in an enchanting, wooded spot 18 miles south of Florence.
Your experience starts with a visit to the beautiful Chianti vineyards and an introduction to Vine-growing process and production. Afterwards, you will step back in time and have the opportunity to visit the historic monastery and cellars of Badia a Passignano. The Vallombrosan monks that still inhabit this place are recognized for their love of books, for promoting scientific research (Galileo Galilei taught there in 1587) and for their meticulous care of the surrounding fields, especially the cultivation of grapevines and reforestation.
Following the tour, you will taste the inimitable flavors of the traditional Tuscan cuisine with a delectable lunch or dinner at the one-star Michelin Osteria di Passignano. The meal will be preceded by an extra-virgin olive oil tasting and accompanied by prestigious Antinori wines like Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano, Tignanello, Guado al Tasso, and Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience: you will be captivated not only by the beauty of the Chianti countryside region, with its precious vineyards and olive groves, but also by the sense of peace and spirituality of the ancient abbey and by the warm welcome of the people.

Basilicata Wine Tour: Full Day from Matera

Basilicata is the perfect setting for this unforgettable culinary and wine experience: the genuine flavors, the indigenous grapes, the taste of the food and the friendly people combine to make this a memorable taste adventure. Your assistant for the day will guide you through this beautiful region and its pristine natural beauties. This ancient land boasts centuries-old vineyards that produce the famous Primitivo, Negromaro, Sussumaniello and Aglianico wines that are increasingly being singled out by wine experts for their structure and ability to age.
Departing from and returning to your Matera hotel, first stop is the town of Venosa where you can admire the Aragonese Castle and many remains of the ancient city wall, as well as the Jewish Catacombs. This charming town is dotted with churches like the stunning Abbey of SS. Trinita' or the Baroque church of the Purgatory, both housing beautiful frescoes and inscriptions from the Roman era. After a walking tour, you will stop at a local winery: a visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next comes lunch at a typical farmhouse, a lovely place serving healthy and delicious cucina povera from Basilicata.
After lunch you will head to Melfi, a small town full of history. You will visit the imposing 11th-century Norman-Swabian Castle built at the foot of the Vulture Mountain, a strategic location that served as a gateway between Campania and Apulia. The eastern slopes of Vulture around the towns of Barile and Melfi are the sites of the best Aglianico vineyards. The excursion concludes with a second winery visit and a guided wine tasting.

Cooking Class in Le Marche

Not everyone has a Italian grandmother... but that doesn't mean you can't learn to cook like one! The region of Le Marche has such a rich tradition of food and wine that it is one of the most natural locations for a hands-on cooking lesson. All menus will highlight the freshness and uniqueness of the local products used and will be cooked in the traditional manner.
Maria is the expert cook who will demonstrate clear and simple regional cooking techniques in the well-equipped restaurant kitchen of the Locanda del Gusto, situated in Comunanza, a medieval village with a stupendous view of the Sibelline mountain range. Her recipes feature prized IGP and DOP ingredients, such as saffron and apples, which are cultivated in this mountainous terrain.
As you cook together, Maria shares personal anecdotes and stories of the Marchigian culture and its age-old traditions, habits and culinary customs. Afterwards you will sit down and enjoy a delicious, 3-course meal of which you can be proud!

Danieli Wine Suite: A Taste of Venetian Opulence

Indulge in this private tasting in the newly opened Wine Suite at Venice's iconic Hotel Danieli, originally the magnificent home of the royal family and now one of the most distinguished destinations in the city.
As the only location in Venice with a restaurant and Wine Suite as high as the fifth floor, the Wine Suite offers a stunning view of the richest historical area of La Serenissima and its adjacent lagoon. Your sommelier will guide you through a tasting of four to six glasses, highlighting the best of the sparkling, white, red, and sweet wines that Italy has to offer and pairing it with local salumi and cheeses.
This one hour long experience marries fine Italian wines, Venetian opulence, and breathtaking views to create a memorable experience, adding a perfect touch to your visit.

Discover Orvieto and its Vineyards: A Day Trip from Rome

If you want to spend a day far from the hustle and bustle of Rome, discover authentic and original places off the beaten path, and taste some great white wines, Orvieto is the destination for you! This ancient Etruscan town is located in the beautiful Umbrian countryside, less than a two-hour drive from Rome. As you approach Orvieto in your air-conditioned car, you will be regaled with a distant view of the city perched high on the Rupe, the near-vertical cliffs made of volcanic tufa stone.
Once there, you will meet your guide to begin exploring this magnificent little town. You will walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets and learn all about Orvieto's long and illustrious past. One of its most prized monuments is the 14th-century Duomo with an ornate facade glittering with gold mosaics: here you can clearly see the transition from its Romanesque start to its Gothic finish. Inside there are many stunning frescoes by some of Italy's most renowned painters like Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli.
After touring the town of Orvieto, your driver will take you to the La Carraia Winery to taste some of the area's best wines; for example, Orvieto Classico DOC. Not everybody knows that since the Middle Ages, Orvieto's white wines have been praised far and wide. A tour of the cellars, vineyards, and a guided tasting is followed by lunch at Zeppelin Restaurant, back in the center of Orvieto. Chef Lorenzo's menu features authentic local dishes like handmade pastas, wild boar, and vegetables grown in the restaurant's own garden.
Last but not least, you will visit Orvieto's Underground, a whole other city underneath the main city that was carved into the friable tufa stone over the course of 2,500 years. You will find wells and cisterns, as well as quarries, cellars, passageways, and rooms with many square niches. As you walk through these tunnels, you will travel through time, witnessing the way of life of people from Etruscan times to the Renaissance.

From Market to Table: A Small Group Tuscan Cooking Class

What is more fascinating and entertaining than discovering a region through the rituals of its cuisine? This is your opportunity to enjoy a fantastic cooking lesson that combines the city with the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
The day starts with a pleasant walk through the farmer's market of Florence - the colorful and authentic place where many Florentines do their shopping. Thanks to your chef, Giovanni, you will meet the Florentine butchers, bakers and farmers with the possibility to taste some of their genuine products directly from their stands. Once you have collected what you need for the meal, you will be taken to the well-equipped kitchen of a villa in the Chianti countryside right outside Florence. Here, under the guidance of Giovanni, you will begin your hands-on cooking class.
The menu may vary slightly depending on the season and which fresh ingredients are available, but among various other dishes a menu typically usually includes making homemade pasta from scratch. Needless to say, the class will conclude with a delicious lunch accompanied by a tasting of two Chianti wines.

Half-Day Wine Tour in Le Marche

A wine tasting tour is the very best way to discover the culture and landscape of the Southern Marche, the heart of the Rosso Piceno wine producing area and a beautiful landscape in its own right. This celebrated dry, red wine is joined by the region's other main grape varieties, Passerina and Pecorino (a local white wine, not the ewe's milk cheese of the same name!).
On the way to the winery, you will have time to admire the wild but fantastic countryside and to discuss the history and evolution of wine making in this area. At your destination, you will tour the cellars and receive a full explanation of the wines and other specialties that are produced here.
A guided wine tasting follows, including at least one Rosso Piceno Superiore, as well as glasses of Pecorino and Passerina wines. Then it's time to stop at a local osteria where you will enjoy a delicious lunch of tasty local recipes. Before returning to your hotel, you will have some free time to visit the medieval village of Ripatransone.

Learn How to Cook a Flawless Meal in Basilicata

This exclusive cooking class will give you the unique opportunity to expand your cooking skills and learn from an expert chef how to make a perfect Italian meal. You'll prepare a 3-course meal using fresh, local ingredients, while your chef shares with you regional cooking secrets and special techniques. Did you know that in Basilicata there are over ten different types of fresh pasta? During this class you will learn how to prepare one of them: roll up your sleeves and test your skills on fresh orecchiette, tapparelle or lucane chiappute!
For the second course, if available, you will prepare one of the most popular meats of the region: lamb. The chef will teach you about the different cuts and all the secrets on how to make it tender. Cutturieddu, a type of lamb casserole, is one of the most common recipes in which lamb is flavored with wild onions, hot peppers, ripe tomatoes and a few other fresh ingredients.
After the hands-on cooking class, you will sit down and enjoy the meal that you have personally prepared, paired with the finest selection of wines. You will not only remember the taste and flavors of the dishes, but also the joy and fun you experienced throughout the class: the perfect occasion to create a memorable Italian culinary experience!

Learn How to Make Traditional Southern Italian Pastries

When you want to start your day off like a true Italian, nothing comes closer than enjoying a "cornetto & cappuccino" for breakfast! Unearth the secrets of these traditional baked goods and learn the basics of how to prepare the most authentic and delicious Italian pastries. The class is held in the kitchen of a typical farmhouse on the Sorrento coast. You will meet the other class participants on the terrace and discuss the principles involved in the lesson, all the while savoring a typical Italian breakfast.
Following breakfast, the fun truly begins! Guided by the professional expertise of the Michelin-starred chef, Giuseppe Somma, you will immerse your hands in fresh, pliable dough and create Italian puff pastry, cakes and an assortment of cookies. By the end of this interactive and enjoyable lesson, you will be able to recreate the most traditional Southern Italian pastries such as sfogliatelle, baba' and pastiera.
After the pastries come out of the oven, you'll sit on the terrace to savor and enjoy the fruits of your labors. This is an unforgettable experience that will be the highlight of your visit to Sorrento!

Limoncello Tour & Tasting: Magic Lemons of the Amalfi Coast

Do you love limoncello and would you like to discover more about this celebrated after-dinner tipple? On this tour which takes place at the Le Bonta' del Capo restaurant on the Amalfi coast, you will learn everything about the famous liqueur starting from its origin that dates back to the 1400's. Limoncello is completely authentic in its flavor and aroma, thanks to the superior quality of lemons grown in this sunny region.
On this 3-hour private tour, you will visit a typical terraced lemon grove that overlooks the deep blue Mediterranean sea. You will not only learn the methods of cultivation of these world famous lemons, prized for their low acidity and delicate flavor, but you will also breath the sweet scent of blossoms as you wander through the citrus grove. You will then head back to the restaurant where you will learn how to make limoncello and you'll taste a glass of this wonderful liqueur. After sampling a glass of this wonderful liqueur, you will enjoy a menu in which typical Amalfi Coast lemons are featured in every course, whether meat or fish.
The menu, prepared with the wonderful products of local culinary tradition, includes an appetizer of marinated anchovies with lemon and vinegar, followed by ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and lemon, raviolacci filled with sea bass and citrus, lemon scallops, and fillet of fish with the lemon potatoes. To complete this delicious meal is a scrumptious lemon dessert, and of course, a final glass of limoncello!

Milan for Foodies: A Small Group Tour

Eating you way through Milan is a great way to experience Italy's financial and fashion capital. On this 3-hour small group food tour, you will not only taste some delicious local and Italian delicacies, but you will also discover one of the oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods in Milan: the Brera District.
After meeting your guide, you will be taken to one of the best pastry shops in town where you'll taste a heavenly Italian cream roll and learn how to make it at home. Next stop is a delicatessen where you will taste two different cold cuts, Culatello di Zibello and Parma ham, and learn how these aged hams are made.
Afterwards you will sample different flavors of freshly made gelato and discover all the secrets of how it is produced. Your tour will continue by visiting Milan's most ancient shop where you will taste mondeghili (typical Milanese meatballs) and Parmigiana, the classic dish of pan-fried eggplants, tomato sauce and cheese.
Since Milan is known for its aperitivo culture, your next stop will be a bar where you will get one of the most classic local drinks, the bicicletta (bicycle). Your food experience ends with a stop at a famous bakery where you will try a slice of their best pan pizza, because no Italian food tour would be complete without pizza!

Mozzarella and More: Cheese Making in Sorrento

No visit to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast is complete without a taste of the local specialty cheeses, from mozzarella to caviocavallo to provolone. Using traditional methods and family recipes, small cheese-making factories (caseifici) continue the work of previous generations, producing some of the world's favorite cheeses from one of Italy's most beloved destinations. Caseificio Michelangelo is one such factory, and its visitors have the chance to discover for themselves the magic of Campanian cheeses.
Your journey through the scrumptious process of cheese-making begins when you are picked up at your hotel on the Sorrentine Peninsula and taken to the family-owned cheese factory at Piano di Sorrento. Caseificio Michelangelo began making scamorza in the mid-1940's and they have expanded their repertoire and reputation since. You will learn first-hand how these artisan products are created with a step-by-step demonstration, beginning with the first drop of the finest milk and finishing with the final piece of Campanian perfection, ready for enjoyment.
Following the factory tour and demonstration, you will savor various specialty cheeses made on-site - including mozzarella, ricotta, "Moscione", and Provolone del Monaco - while also sampling local wine from the region. Before returning to your hotel, you will have the opportunity to purchase any of the delicious specialties that you saw being made that day.

Olive Oil: From Tree to Table

Olive oil is a supremely healthy food and one of the most important ingredients in the Italian cuisine. This cooking class is designed for passionate home cooks and people who would like to learn the properties and the secrets of olive oil. Join this private cooking class to learn how to prepare exciting and easy-to-make recipes using the olive oil.
Enter the kitchen with Barbara and Silvia to discover the secrets of olive oil, pizza and focaccia. During this cooking class, you will learn everything about the production of olive oil and how the olives are transformed into a healthy and flavorful product. You will also learn the history of olive oil, the names of the different varieties and the meaning of words like 'extra virgin.'
After learning about olive oil's most important qualities, you will roll up your sleeves and discover how to make a tasty dough that you will use to prepare a pizza, a calzone, a focaccia and a savory cake: this is the best way to appreciate how olive oil influences the overall taste of the food.
Finally, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by a glass of local wine. At the end of the lesson, you will get a certificate of participation along with a booklet with information about olive oil.

Passionate About Pasta: A Small Group Cooking Class in Bologna

Il Salotto di Penelope is located in a picturesque courtyard in the heart of Bologna where, since the 1960's, a bakery once stood. Barbara Zaccagni and Valeria Hensemberger, two gourmets coming from different cooking realities, but with a common passion for teaching, founded their cooking school in February 2012. Today, they welcome individuals and groups interested in learning the techniques of the Italian cuisine and, in particular, the culture and flavors of traditional Bolognese and Northern Italian cooking.
If you choose the morning class, meet the chef and your fellow participants at the characteristic Mercato Quadrilatero of Bologna, where you will learn all about the products to be used in that day's menu. Following the market tour, you move to the school's professional kitchen to begin the hands-on cooking class. It focuses on how to prepare pasta dough, how to roll it out in sheets using a traditional mattarello rolling pin and about how to create basic fillings and sauces using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Three different types of pasta will be made: tagliatelle, stuffed tortelloni and potato gnocchi, along with three savory sauces. Lunch will follow with the food you have personally prepared, accompanied by the wine from of the hills of Bologna.
A half-day culinary experience at Il Salotto di Penelope is the perfect introduction to Bologna's justly famous cuisine. As Barbara and Valeria say, "We like to think we are not just a simple cooking school, but a valid alternative to the gym, a place in which you can learn how to cook and meet people with so many different passions, interests and traditions that sometimes gossip takes over from the cooking!"

Puglia In A Glass

Enjoy some of the best wines Puglia has to offer during this two-hour private wine tasting that will take you on a journey of taste and tradition. You will be taught interesting and fun facts about the wineries, the terroir, the production methods, and the grapes. You will taste six different wines, and at the end of the session, you will be offered a platter of local food specialties with cheese, salami, extra-virgin olive oil, and focaccia bread.
Puglia produces more wine than any other region in Italy--indeed, more than Tuscany! Better yet, a large portion of local grapes are exported to France to create some of their top-notch wines. Why? The relatively arid and sunny climate, especially in the southernmost area of Salento, produces grapes that are high in sugar, as opposed to cooler places like Tuscany and France. This results in some amazing sweet or dessert wines like Aleatico, Primitivo (which you will taste), and the recently popular favorite, Moscato. But, of course, Puglia takes pride in producing a variety of grapes that results in great tastes for any palate and occasion.
During this taste journey you will be presented with six different wines, starting with a "house" white and rose'. You will then try two different varieties of Negroamaro, a typical grape of the Salento region that produces very deep red wines, and is often combined with other grapes to produce some signature DOCs like Copertino and Squinzano. Next comes Salice Salentino, one of the most famous Salento wines, often made with Negroamaro grapes and typically very tannic. Last but not least, you will be offered a Primitivo, better known as Zinfandel outside of Italy, which will surely captivate you with its sweetness.

Shared Group Cooking Class at the Duchess of Palma's Palace

The Sicilian culinary tradition reflects the island's history of colonization. Sicily was subject to many invasions in the course of history and each invader brought along its own cuisine. Greek, Arab, Spanish, Norman and French roots can be discovered in ingredients such as capers, almonds, olives, citrus, oregano, hard durum wheat, wild fennel and sea salt, while many of the island's wines are made with grape varietals found only in Sicily.
You will discover the fascinating secrets of the Sicilian culinary tradition in the kitchen of the Duchess of Palma through a praised cooking class that was recently featured in La Cucina Italiana. Her family palace, the Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, is an extraordinary location because it was once the residence of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, the last Prince of Lampedusa; he wrote Il Gattopardo (The Leopard), a masterpiece of Italian literature.
You will meet the duchess and the other participants of the class at the palace and then you will head all together to Palermo's oldest outdoor food market - the colorful Capo market. Here you will discover some typical Sicilian products, including the freshest fish and meat, and the best seasonal vegetables to be used in your cooking class.
Once the shopping has been done, you will start your hands-on cooking class in the spacious and welcoming kitchen of the Palazzo where you will cook a four-courses Sicilian meal under the duchess' guidance, while listening to her entertaining stories. Lunch paired with Sicilian wines such as Tasca d'Almerita's Sallier de la Tour follows in the elegant dining room, and your culinary experience concludes with a relaxing, digestive walk through the historic Palazzo in the company of the duke and duchess.

Small Group Food Tour of the Testaccio District

This 4-hour, small group food tour provides excellent insight into the ancient neighborhood of Testaccio, located south of the Aventine Hill, right along the Tiber River. Testaccio is not well known among tourists, but has an unusual history which brings one back to when grain, olive oil and other foods were brought to Rome in amphorae. This neighborhood also has a wonderful market and, most importantly, an amazing food scene.
You will explore the area, indulging in 12 food tastings along the way at nine of Testaccio's most historic and locally loved places. As you follow your friendly and knowledgeable guide, you will also get a glimpse of the daily life of the families who live in the neighborhood.
First stop on this tour is a historic salumeria that boasts hundreds of varieties of cheese, an awe-inspiring selection of cured meats, top quality oils and much more.
Next stop on this tour will be a trattoria. In this atmospheric setting built into the side of Monte Testaccio, you'll sample some classic Roman dishes, all prepared with the freshest available ingredients.
After the second tasting, it is time to move on and savor the best street food of Rome prepared in a really tiny shop. You will taste a trapizzino, a triangular pocket of pizza dough filled with some classic Roman ingredients and a fried rice ball called suppli'. You'll love it!
Next stop is a pizza al taglio place and then it's time to take a stroll through Testaccio's wonderful food market. Three more tastings await you; on your way to these other shops, you will pass by Rome's only Pyramid, John Keats' mysterious tomb and the birthplace of Rome's mob gang. To conclude this unforgettable gastronomic experience, a tasty artisanal tiramisu provides a sweet finish to this foodie tour of Testaccio.

Small Group Food Tour of Trastevere

This 4-hour small group food tour provides excellent insight into the ancient neighborhood of Trastevere, made up of a labyrinth of alleys and enchanting squares. You will explore the area indulging in ten food and wine tastings along the way at seven of Rome's most historic and locally loved places. As you follow your friendly and knowledgeable guide, you will also get a glimpse of the daily life of the families that have been serving up these delicacies for generations.
First stop on this tour is a historic trattoria located just a few steps from Tiber Island. In this intimate and welcoming place, you'll sample some classic Roman dishes, all prepared with the freshest available ingredients.
Next stop on this tour will be the wine cellar of Spirito di Vino, where you will taste a glass or two of their best house wines. After the tasting, it is time to move on. When you were a child, have you ever dreamed of visiting a cookie factory? If the answer is "yes", on this tour, your dream will come true! As soon as you walk inside the store, you will feel the authenticity of the place and the true love the owners put into their biscotti.
After a stroll through some of Trastevere's characteristic cobblestone alleyways, you will reach one of Rome's most famous bakeries, where you will see how their award-winning pizza is baked and, of course, you'll try a slice of it.
Three more stops await you. You'll sample cold-cut meats & cheeses and homemade ravioli accompanied by a glass of wine. To conclude this unforgettable gastronomic experience, a tasty artisanal gelato provides a sweet finish to this foodie tour of Trastevere.

Tour & Taste in Alberobello

The rich history and culture of the southern Italian region of Apulia is one that spans centuries and civilizations. This half-day tour will introduce you to one of the most unique architectural wonders of the region, followed by a taste of the celebrated local cuisine.
This private service begins at your hotel (in Alberobello), where you will meet your guide for a walking tour of Alberobello. This small town in Apulia is famous for its unique trulli - traditional, 19th century dry stone huts with a conical roof that were built to allow landlords to escape paying taxes under feudalism. During the tour you will not only view this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site from the outside, but you will be able to visit the interior of the trulli to truly experience their ingenious structure.
Following your visit to Alberobello, you will see a demonstration of cheese-making and do a mozzarella tasting at a local dairy farm, followed by a tour of the beautiful surrounding countryside where you will stop to harvest organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, you will visit the adjacent farm, or masseria. Here you will be welcomed with bruschetta and local wine before taking part in a short cooking class and lunch with the owners.

Tour the Tuscan Countryside in a Vintage FIAT 500!

Would you like to experience the best that Tuscany has to offer? Combine a visit to a Chianti winery with a scenic drive through the rolling Tuscan hills in a classic Italian car: the vintage Fiat 500. Cruise down winding roads and past vineyards at the wheel of the iconic little car that is the post-war symbol of freedom, taking in the gorgeous views as your guide entertains you with regional history and local knowledge. You'll be part of a colorful convoy of vintage 500's, and the guide who leads the tour is connected to the other cars by radio.
This half-day Fiat tour begins with an introduction to the history of these cars and then heads for the hills on the outskirts of Florence, following some of the route of the famous "Mille Miglia" car rally. After a couple of panoramic photo stops, you will visit the grounds of the Renaissance Villa le Piazzole and take a stroll through the gardens before entering the medieval cellar to learn about the production of the estate's award-wining wines. A wine tasting follows, accompanied by a light lunch including bruschetta, Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses.

Truffle Hunting in Le Marche: Half Day Excursion

Experience the true flavor of rural life in Le Marche by taking part in a fantastic morning of truffle hunting on a private estate in the splendid countryside outside Ascoli Piceno. Surrounded by mountains and natural parks, the area is blessed with truffles almost all year round: black truffles from January to March and from May to September and white truffles from September to December.
Led by local experts and their trained truffle dogs, you will venture deep into the woods where this precious subterranean mushroom grows. Afterwards, you will sit down to mouthwatering lunch with a menu created around the truffles that you found.

Wine Tasting in Picturesque Portofino

Portofino is known as the resort of the rich and famous, but there is much more to do here than just people-watch, or gaze at the yachts docked in its picturesque natural harbor. There is also a flourishing local culture represented by Niasca Portofino, a company founded by Portofino residents to restore local traditions and convey the beauty of Portofino and its products to the world. Their headquarters is the Fondaco - the word means 'warehouse' - a cheerful red and yellow building that has been restored to house all their activities, including this guided wine tasting. It is a 10-minute walk uphill from the center of Portofino, through olives groves that produce wonderful, deep-green oil.
For the wine tasting, you can choose between white Ligurian wines (Nostralino, Vermentino, Pigato) or red Ligurian wines (Nostralino, Rossese, Ciliegiolo). Other wines are available upon request. The tasting is a three-step process designed to activate the senses. First is the visual; you will observe the wine and examine its color and texture. Next comes the olfactory; you will smell the wine to take in and classify its aroma. Finally you will taste the wine, enjoying its flavor and the sensations that, taken all together, make for a complete wine tasting experience. Typical Ligurian snacks will accompany the tasting.
Following the wine tasting, you will visit Villa Prato, a villa on the road to Olmi that boasts a splendid garden, terraced on three levels. Here a vineyard, lemon trees and olive trees frame a beautiful view of the sea. A cave on the property is used as a unique wine and beer cellar; it will also be seen on this tour.

Winery Visit & Tasting at Fattoria di Fiorano

The story of Fattoria di Fiorano begins with the Prince Alberico Boncompagni Ludovisi, the Prince of Venosa, who inherited land just south of Rome in the mid 1940's. Over the years, he planted and grew his vineyard of Merlot, Cabernet, Semillion, and Malvasia di Candia, adhering to the almost non-existent organic techniques of the times. His wines, which now have gained international acclaim, remained extremely small production for the prince's friends and family and fellow coinousseurs, and when he retired from winemaking, the Prince of Venosa ripped up all of his vines.
What remains today is a small piece of the prince's treasured collection and a revitalization of his estate and vines by his grandaughters, Alessia, Albiera, and Allegra Antinori, a member of one of the most prestigious Italian winemaking families in Tuscany. In addition to the few original vines that remain, the Antinori sisters have replanted vines, invested in the rebirth of the estate, and brought the winery back to life. Today the winery is open to the public. The Standard Visit is open to those wishing for a short visit and wine tasting, during which you will have the opportunity to explore the historic vineyard and cellars, and newly planted organic garden. This one-hour immersion of the the traditions and flavors of the region ends with a tasting of Fioranello bianco and Fioranello rosso.
The renewed spirit of Fiorano includes not only wine making, but a fresh garden with a farm to table restaurant and a cheese making factory, or caseficio. The Exclusive Visit, extends the one-hour stay to allow a full experience of the Fattoria with round-trip transportation from Rome for a full visit of the well-attended grounds, and tasting of the Fioranello red and white wines. The visit then ends with an opportunity to enjoy the estate's homegrown products, with a seasonal, multi-course lunch or dinner, served privately in the tasting room.

Small Group Cooking Class with Wine Tasting at Puglia Wine School

Right on the picturesque central square of the lovely town of Squinzano, in the heart of the Salento region only 10 miles from Lecce, you can learn to cook an authentic Apulian meal while enjoying local wines and listening to music. The lesson starts with an aperitivo consisting of wine, taralli, and olives - a typical welcome for guests at any house in Puglia.
Catering to your experience level, an English-speaking cook will teach you, how to prepare delicious regional dishes like the bread called pizza leccesi, orecchiette pasta with seasonal vegetables, and meatballs with cheese in Negroamaro wine sauce. The four-course menu can be customized to any dietary restrictions or food preferences.
During the afternoon, you will also get to taste six local wines: a white, a rose', two Negroamaro, a Salice Salentino, and a Primitivo. At the end of the class, you will sit down with your fellow students and enjoy the meal you prepared - the apron and the recipes you made in the class are yours to keep as souvenirs of this perfect day in Puglia!

Italy's Great Sparklers: Wine Roads of Franciacorta from Milan

Just a short hour's drive from Milan lies the bountiful zone of Franciacorta, a wine region that is becoming increasingly renowned as a gem of Italian Champagne Method wines. Located at the foothills of the Alps, the terroir is perfect for the growth of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This full-day private wine experience allows you to fully discover the beauty of the region, its people, cuisine, and story by visiting two of the most prestigious wineries of the area.
Departing from your hotel in Milan, you will first visit the Azienda Agricola Ricci Curbastro, an estate headed by the Ricci Curbastro family, whose agricultural roots trace back to the thirteenth century. Your visit will begin with a tour of the welcoming grounds at the Museum of Agriculture and Wine, which displays objects and tools traditionally used in the production of wine and agricultural goods, before heading to the cellar to explore the magic that is Franciacorta wines. Your visit to the Ricci Curbastro farm will culminate with a lunch of various traditional antipasti, or appetizers followed by a seasonal risotto and a homemade dessert. This lunch will be paired with three of the family's Franciacorta wines.
From this very traditional farm, you will head to Ca' del Bosco, a modern estate whose contemporary style offers a contrast to the agrarian Ricci Curbastro estate. You will tour the cellar, learning the history of the estate and exploring Ca' del Bosco's highly technological advancements in wine production. You will then visit the barrique cellars, the historic repositories of art, and lastly, the dome. Here you will enjoy a tasting of the winery's Franciacorta Cuvwe Prestige, Curtefranca Bianco, and Curtefranca Rosso

Winery Visit & Gourmet Lunch at Cantine Ferrari

Over a century ago, Giulio Ferrari changed the history of sparkling wine by pioneering the very first Champagne-method wines using Chardonnay in Italy. When Giulio entrusted his Trento winery to beloved friend Bruno Lunelli in 1952, the family devoted themselves to upholding the sacred tradition.
Today, the Lunelli family continues to helm the historic institution, devoted to fine wine making and fine art appreciation. During this Day of Bello and Buono, or the "Day of Goodness and Beauty," you will plunge into the world of Ferrari and the Lunelli family at Cantine Ferrari and Locanda Margon in Trento. This enchanting journey begins with your arrival at the cantina, where you are be greeted by the sculpture "Centenarium Ferrari," a masterpiece by the world-famous artist Arnaldo Pomodoro standing proudly at the entrance of the winery.
The 1-hour private tour of the winery will begin where the juice is stored from Ferrari's 500 hand-selected producers, then continues into a museum dedicated to the original methods of Giulio Ferrari. You will also visit the cellar where thousands of bottles of Trento DOC are aged for two to 10 years while undergoing the process of remuage/riddling until the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from the Trentino hills is transformed into an effervescent golden wine.
The tour ends with a toast with a flute of one of the most renowned Ferrari wines before you head to the family's nearby Michelin-starred restaurant, Locanda Margon. You will have the pleasure of enjoying the Menu Bollicine, a five-course gourmet menu with regional dishes which incorporate, are inspired by, and are paired with Ferrari Trento DOC sparkling wines. After a leisurely three-hour lunch, you will head to historic Villa Margon, whose historic frescoes and sixteenth century architecture perfectly displays the marriage of fine wine and fine art.

Allegrini Winery Visit at Villa della Torre

Discover the beauty and the flavors of the Veneto's Valpolicella wine country with this exclusive private visit to the Villa della Torre, the principal estate of the Allegrini family and headquarters of their wine making operation.
Completed around 1560, the Villa della Torre is an authentic masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that owes its construction to the learned intellectual and humanist, Giulio della Torre. Contributors to the architectural project included Giulio Romano, Michele Sanmicheli, Bartolomeo Ridolfi, and Giulio Della Torre himself. The villa was purchased by the Allegrini four years ago. It is surrounded by the Podere della Torre vineyards, whose namesake wine is famous for its intensity and complexity and has been named six times in the Top 100 Wines of Spectator.
After an introduction to the historic cantina and an explanation of the centuries-old production practices of the Veneto area, you will enjoy a wine tasting. The tour will then continue to the Villa della Torre where you will be privately guided through the interior of the villa and visit the mysterious temple of Jupiter Ammon, positioned at the highest point of the entire villa complex overlooking the vineyards. Your visit will conclude in the splendid tasting room where you will be served a light lunch, accompanied by three of the family's best wines, including their illustrious Amarone.

Bellavista Winery Visit and Lunch in Franciacorta from Milan

Franciacorta is often internationally praised as one of the best regions in which to produce Champagne Method wines in Italy, and Bellavista is often lauded as one of the best producers in Franciacorta. As the official wine of Milan's famous opera house, La Scala, Bellavista wines are uniquely artistic, fascinating, and sophisticated. This full day excursion, departing from and returning to your hotel in Milan, will introduce you to the refined world of Bellavista through its terroir, its wines, its cuisine, and its story.
Your visit will begin on the terrace of the VistaLago restaurant at L'Albereta, overlooking the sparkling Lake Iseo and its surrounding mountains. Here you will indulge in a four-course gourmet lunch, each course paired with one of Bellavista's best wines. Dishes are elevated takes on the classic Lombardian cuisine, such as risotto allo zafferano e midollo di vitello alla plancia, or saffron risotto with veal marrow paired with Bellavista Curtefrance Bianco "Convento della Santissima Annunciata."
Weather permitting, you can then take a leisurely walk through the vines to arrive at the Bellavista Cantina, where you will visit the cellars and learn about the winery's unique winemaking technique of aging all of its wines in barrels. Your tour will end with toast and tasting of Bellavista Alma and Saten before heading back to Milan with your private driver.

Winery Visit & Lunch at San Polo Estate by Allegrini

Noble and seductive, Brunello di Montalcino is a grand red wine born in the heart of the hills around Siena, boasting worldwide recognition and acclaim. Discover one of its best expressions at the San Polo Estate in the southeastern part of Montalcino. The estate is a joint project of Marilisa Allegrini and NYC-based Winebow's Leonardo Lo Cascio and is comprised of 52 total acres, 40 of which harbor the precious vines.
You will start your visit with a tour of the vineyards, which are biologically farmed. You will then visit the wine cellars, which also follow the principles of harmony with the surrounding natural landscape by powering the winery with renewable resources. These environmentally conscious methods were implemented to realize the transformation of Sangiovese grapes into one of the kings of Italian red wines: Brunello di Montalcino.
After the visit of the vineyards, you will enjoy a multi-course lunch of local cuisine combined with three of the Allegrini family best red wines: Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, and Rubio.

Winery Visit & Tasting at Cantina Antinori in Chianti Classico

Antinori is a name that elicits reverence, respect and awe in the world of wine. This Tuscan family has been making wine for 26 generations, and a tour and tasting at their state-of-the-art cantina in the heart of beautiful Chianti country is an unforgettable experience. Departing from your Florence hotel, you will head to the brand-new Antinori cantina - the world headquarters of their brand - located in San Casciano Val di Pesa, only a scenic, half an hour drive through the undulating hills of Tuscany.
As you approach San Casciano, you will notice that the cantina is literally constructed in the hillside, a conscious decision to punctuate the winery's rootedness to the land around it, as well as to maximize energy efficiency. Designed by Marco Casamonti, one of Italy's leading architects, the structure is not just a cantina but also features an auditorium, museum, restaurant and wine shop inside its 540,000 square-foot expanse.
The Antinori museum traces the family's long and illustrious history and displays their private art collection that includes many portraits of ancestors, as well as three contemporary art installations made especially for the cantina by Rosa Barba, Yona Friedman and Jean-Baptiste Decavele.
After a tour of the museum, you will proceed to the wine cellars: a series of softly-lit, sleek caves and spectacular, airy rooms that are tucked deep inside the hill, hidden behind discreet doors. Your tour of this remarkable temple of wine will end with a tasting of three of the best Antinori wines: Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva, Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva and Badia a Passignano.
Please note that for the shared tour, transportation to/from the winery is NOT included in the total price.

Experience the inimitable flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine and award-winning Antinori wines in this one-of-a-kind cooking lesson, tour and lunch or dinner with the one-star Michelin Osteria di Passignano in the heart of Chianti country.
Your private cooking lesson will begin in the professional kitchen at Antinori's Fonte de' Medici Estate, where the vines of the great wines Tignanello and Solaia grow. Learn how to prepare a four-course menu with the chef of Osteria di Passignano. During the lesson, you will also enjoy a tasting of Pecorino cheeses, balsamic vinegar and Amedei chocolate; at the end, you will receive a diploma and a complimentary recipe book to take home.
From the school you will then drive in your own personal car to the Badia a Passignano, a fourth century abbey founded by the archbishop of Florence in an enchanting, wooded spot that is 18 miles south of the city. Here, at the celebrated Osteria di Passignano, you will enjoy a delicious meal of the same dishes you previously prepared, accompanied by Antinori wines. The meal will be preceded by an extra-virgin olive oil tasting.
Afterwards, you will step back in time and have the opportunity to visit the historic monastery and cellars of the Badia a Passignano. The Vallombrosan monks that still inhabit this place are recognized for their love of books, for promoting scientific research (Galileo Galilei taught there in 1587) and for their meticulous care of the surrounding fields, especially the cultivation of grapevines and reforestation.
Please note that this service does NOT provide transportation from Florence and/or from the cooking class location to Osteria di Passignano. Custom transfer quotes available upon request.

Winery Visit & Tasting at the Tascante Estate

In this tour and taste you will encounter the treasured Sicilian Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes, the uniquely aromatic fruit used to produce red wines on the volcano, Mount Etna. The rich volcanic soils of Etna, combined with an altitude of up to 1,000 meters above sea level (some of the highest vineyards in Europe), produce wines of immense character and complexity without the excessive weight that characterizes other Sicilian red wines from lower altitudes.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Taormina, you will visit Tasca d'Almerita's Tascante Estate, whose name is a combination of the words "Tasca" and "Etna." It is located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna at around 700 meters above sea level. After a tour of the vineyards, you will taste three different wines produced from these grapes: Tascante, Ghiaia Nera and Buonora. Your tasting will include an assortment of local salumi and cheeses.
Here on the slopes of the impressive volcano, you will be immersed in the fascinating morphology of the land with its agricultural abundance and the effects of the successive lava streams that have shaped the age-old experience of the people who make this place irresistible.
Please note that this service is available with or without transportation from Taormina. Please choose the option best suited to your needs.

Winery Visit & Tasting at Sallier de la Tour

In the enchanting Sicilian area of Monreale not far from Palermo, you will find the exclusive Sallier de la Tour, a noble, 135-hectare piece of land. The estate itself stretches from the nearby mountains to the sea, nestled in the Jato valley, a terrain particularly well-suited to wine growing.
Today, the winery is owned by the Tasca d'Almerita family, a family and brand with a global presence and deep knowledge of wine stretching back for generations. Sallier de la Tour produces wines that are distinguished by the elegance imparted by this cool, Sicilian hill-country terroir. In addition to touring the grounds, you will taste white and red wines, including the well-known Sallier de la Tour Syrah, which has proven to grow splendidly in the Monreale DOC district.
There is truly something for everyone on this two-hour private guided tasting tour. You will have the opportunity to gain insider knowledge of wine production, its methods, the impact of soil and climate, tradition, and technological advances, but you will also be able to bask in the simple joy of conversing about a shared passion with knowledgeable people.
While touring the grounds, you will be presented with breath-taking vistas down the valley to the sea, and your eyes will feast on rows of vines, wheat and oat fields occasionally traversed by donkey-riding farmers. You will also able to visit the gorgeous estate building, a magnificent example of classic Sicilian rural architecture. And, of course, under the guide of an expert sommelier, you will taste six different wines in all, selected according to quality, theme and the season.

Food, Art and Wine in Bari

This half-day artistic and gastronomic tour will allow you to discover and taste the beauties and flavors of the Apulian capital, Bari. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to walk around and see some of the main landmarks of this picturesque old town, characterized by an historic and, at the same time, rejuvenated and lively atmosphere.
Starting from your hotel in Bari, the first stop on this tour is Piazza Ferrarese that, located by one of the gates of the medieval city, offers a charming entrance to the town. The tour continues to Piazza Mercantile, the city's main square, where you can visit the 16th century Palazzo Sedile dei Nobili, formerly the headquarters of Bari's Council of Nobles.
During the walk, you will be delighted by the fragrant smell of Apulian delicacies that leads you towards an historic bakery. Here you will see how the typical focaccia of Bari is made. You'll also taste its fresh-baked goodness, followed by another specialty, onion calzone; to enrich the experience, a glass of the region's wine is served.
Afterwards, you will stop by the beautiful Apulian-Romanesque St. Nicholas Basilica to admire its precious mosaic pavements, sculpted bishop's throne and underground crypt where the saint's relics are kept. Before heading back to your hotel, while strolling through the narrow streets of the historic center, you will see how orecchiette (ear-shaped) are made by hand. Surrounded by all this art and culinary tradition, this is a walking tour that will enchant you from the first sight and the first bite!

Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most well-known and well-respected Italian wines in the world, and the origins of this King of Wines can be traced back to the Biond-Santi estate. It all began during a time when wines of the area were not made for quality or age-worthiness, but the forward-thinking Clemente Santi planted vines of the famous Brunello Sangiovese clone in order to make a 100% Sangiovese wine that would never be too old to drink.
Clemente's vision was carried on by his son and grandson, Ferruccio and Franco Biondi-Santi, who elevated the wine to the level of sophistication and greatness for which it is known today. Your visit to this historic estate, located just south of the hilltop town of Montalcino, will begin with a guided tour of the cantina. You will enjoy an explanation of how the dream of Clemente came to fruition and will learn about the estate's hallmark "topping off" of their vintage wines.
After the tour, you will enjoy a seated, guided tasting of Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva.

Winery Visit to Mastroberardino from the Amalfi Coast

Simply known as the pioneers of modern-day quality Campanian wines, Mastroberardino is a name that speaks for itself. Its wines, such as its Taurasi Radici Riserva DOCG, are recognized throughout the world as being some of the best from the region. This exclusive visit gives the story of the wine outside of the glass, giving you the full experience of the culture, history, and family behind the famous bottle.
Departing from your hotel on the Amalfi Coast, you will first visit the Mastroberardino cellar, where you will be introduced to the family and their winemaking through an introductory video. A walk through the cellar, whose ceilings display intricate works of art, allow you an understanding of the creation of Mastroberardino wines and their dedication to the Campanian territory and its indigenous grapes. Your tour will end with a tasting of three of the estate's wines.
Immediately following a tour of the cellar, you will head to Morabianca Restaurant at the Radici Resort, whose menu emphasizes a deep connection to the territory with elevated local cuisine. Lunch is a full Campanian experience, a five-course meal paired with four Cru wines.

Mt. Etna Wine Road: A Journey through the Vines of the Volcano

In this tour, taste, and lunch you will encounter the treasured Sicilian Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes, the uniquely aromatic fruit used to produce red wines on the volcano, Mount Etna. The rich volcanic soils of Etna, combined with an altitude of up to 1,000 meters above sea level (some of the highest vineyards in Europe), produce wines of immense character and complexity without the excessive weight that characterizes other Sicilian red wines from lower altitudes.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Taormina, you will visit Tasca d'Almerita's Tascante Estate, whose name is a combination of the words "Tasca" and "Etna" and is located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. After a tour of the vineyards, you will taste three different wines: Tascante, Ghiaia Nera and Buonora. Your tasting will include an assortment of local salumi and cheeses. Your day will then continue to the estate of Tenuta di Fessina, where you will tour the vines and cantina. Here at Tenuta di Fessina you will enjoy a bountiful, multi-course lunch of traditional Sicilian cuisine made with local products.
This rare opportunity to experience the world of the wines of Mt. Etna takes you up the slopes of the impressive volcano, immersed in the fascinating land with its agricultural abundance where the effects of the successive lava streams that have shaped the age-old experience of the people who make this place irresistible.

Winery Visit to Mastroberardino from Naples

Simply known as the pioneers of modern-day quality Campanian wines, Mastroberardino is a name that speaks for itself. Its wines, such as its Taurasi Radici Riserva DOCG, are recognized throughout the world as being some of the best from the region. This exclusive visit gives the story of the wine outside of the glass, giving you the full experience of the culture, history, and family behind the famous bottle.
Departing from your hotel in Naples, you will first visit the Mastroberardino cellar, where you will be introduced to the family and their winemaking through an introductory video. A walk through the cellar, whose ceilings display intricate works of art, allow you an understanding of the creation of Mastroberardino wines and their dedication to the Campanian territory and its indigenous grapes. Your tour will end with a tasting of three of the estate's wines.
Immediately following a tour of the cellar, you will head to Morabianca Restaurant at the Radici Resort, whose menu emphasizes a deep connection to the territory with elevated local cuisine. Lunch is a full Campanian experience, a five-course meal paired with four Cru wines.

Bellavista Winery Visit and Lunch in Franciacorta from Lake Como

Franciacorta is internationally praised as one of the best regions in Italy for producing Champagne Method wines, and Bellavista is often lauded as one of this region's best producers. As the official wine of Milan's famous opera house, La Scala, Bellavista wines are uniquely artistic, fascinating, and sophisticated. This full day excursion, departing from and returning to your hotel in Como, Bellagio, or Cernobbio, will introduce you to the refined world of Bellavista through its terroir, its wines, its cuisine, and its story.
Your visit will begin on the terrace of the VistaLago restaurant at L'Albereta, overlooking the sparkling Lake Iseo and its surrounding mountains. Here you will indulge in a four-course gourmet lunch, each course paired with one of Bellavista's best wines. Dishes are elevated takes on the classic Lombardian cuisine, such as risotto allo zafferano e midollo di vitello alla plancia, or saffron risotto with veal marrow paired with Bellavista Curtefrance Bianco "Convento della Santissima Annunciata."
Weather permitting, you can then take a leisurely walk through the vines to arrive at the Bellavista Cantina, where you will visit the cellars and learn about the winery's unique winemaking technique of aging all of its wines in barrels. Your tour will end with toast and tasting of Bellavista Alma and Saten before heading back to Lake Como with your private driver.

Winery Excursion in Umbria: Castelbuono and Falesco Estates

Umbria's expansive countryside, with its impressive hilly landscape, intriguing history, strikingly green flora, and enticing cuisine has long been attracting visitors from all parts of the world and Italy. This full day winery excursion witih lunch through Umbria allows you to partake in a bit of each of Umbria's best aspects while visiting some of its best wineries.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Perugia, you will first stop at the Falesco Winery. Founded by Italy's most renowned enologist, Riccardo Cottarella, and his brother in 1979, Falesco's property spans Umbria and Lazio and is known for its innovative winemaking techniques while continuing to adhere to traditions and indigenous grapes of the regions. After a tour of the cantina during which you will learn the vinification process and history of the winemaking, you will taste Falesco Cru wine and enjoy a multi-course Italian lunch paired with Falesco wines.
Your day will then continue to the Castelbuono Winery, widely recognized for its unique structure, the Carapace, imagined and realized by architect Arnoldo Pomodoro for the Lunelli Family. Your tour of the architectural masterpiece and cantina will introduce the winery's history and ties to the artistic world, ending with a tasting of Castelbuono wines before returning to your hotel in Perugia.

Winery Visit and Lunch with Planeta

Founded in 1985 by three enthusiastic Sicilian family members, the Planeta winery began with the goal of expressing the beauty and diversity of climate, grapes, soil, and culture in Sicilian terroir. The Planeta family now holds a collection of six small estates throughout Sicily, each intensely focused on this goal and all of which have become internationally acclaimed. This excursion from Palermo will bring you to discover the beauty of the Planeta family's first wine estate, Ulmo.
From your Palermo hotel, your private driver will transport you to the Ulmo winery in Sambuca di Sicilia, where they family has owned and tilled the land since immigrating from Spain in the 16th century. The 93 acres are home to many international and indigenous Sicilian varietals, and your visit will begin with an introduction to the land and its wines with a tour of the winery and cellars. You will then taste four of the estate's wines.
A three-course lunch will follow your tour, where you will dine on western Sicilian cuisine, beginning with a traditional primo, or pasta course, and continuing with a secondo, meat course, and ending with seasonal fruit. Lunch will be served with two Planeta wines and finish with traditional Sicilian biscotti and coffee.

A Small Group Cooking Class in Milan

If you are in Milan and love to cook, then you won't want to miss the opportunity to visit and cook in the kitchen of Aurora Muti! This 2.5-hour 'home-style,' small group cooking class takes place in her private apartment located in central Milan. You will learn to cook a traditional, four-course Italian meal using fresh, local ingredients. Then you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor, eating lunch or dinner around the kitchen table with your fellow companions.
Aurora will welcome you in her cozy Milanese apartment with an aperitivo and some snacks. In the meantime, she will present the menu of the day that you will prepare with her help, as she shares with you her cooking secrets and special techniques. The menu changes according to the season, but will always include four recipes from various regions of Italy, ranging from homemade pasta to hearty second courses. Of course, no meal is complete without a typical Italian dessert such as tiramisu or pears cooked in red wine.
At the end of the lesson, you will receive your diploma and the recipes you learned in class so that you can recreate them at home. This is an unforgettable experience that will give true insight into the regional cuisines of Italy!

Dante's Vineyards: Cooking Class at the Serego Alighieri Estate

During his exile, Dante Alighieri spent several years in Verona. After his death, his son Pietro remained in the area and bought the Possessione Casal dei Ronchi in 1353. Located in Gargagnago in the heart of the Valpolicella winemaking region, this large 120-hectare property remains in the possession of the Counts Serego Alighieri, Dante's direct descendants. The counts not only make the well-known Masi wines from the Veneto, but also host guests at their estate.
Departing from your hotel in Verona, you will arrive at the grounds and begin with a tour of the vineyards, the estate, and the cellars. You will then head into the kitchen where you will have a private three-hour cooking lesson with the chef. You will learn about the traditional Veneto cuisine and finish the lesson with a three-course lunch of the dishes you prepared paired with the estate's wines. You will also be given a folder with all of the recipes that you cooked and a Serego Alighieri apron to commemorate the experience.

Winery Visit, Tasting, and Lunch at Falesco

When Italy's leading enologist and wine consultant, Riccardo Cotarella, founded the Falesco Winery with his brother Renzo in 1979, it was with the vision of making a dynamic winery, committed to an innovative approach to the traditional winemaking techniques of the area. Today, Falesco is one of the most well-known and respected wineries in Umbria and Lazio and continues to offer the best of their area in hospitality and wine.
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Rome, you will arrive at the cantina in Montecchio just before lunchtime. Your visit will begin with a private tour of the cantina, which seeks to perfectly express the terroir of Umbria and Lazio, adhering to the oenological traditions of the area by using the most advanced technology possible. It is here that you will witness the vinification process of the famous Falesco wines such as Est! Est!! Est!!!, Aleatico, and the Sagrantino clone, RC2.
Your stay at Falesco will continue with a tasting of four Falesco wines during a full Italian lunch of a primo, or pasta, secondo, or meat-based dish, contorno, or vegetable dish, a dessert, and coffee. After you eat and drink your fill, your private chauffeur will drive you back to your Rome hotel.

Discovering the Wines of Lake Garda from Verona

The eastern shore of Lake Garda is dotted with its characteristic towns that boast ancient castles, medieval churches, and Venetian-style houses. Also known for the beauty of its olive groves and orderly vineyards belonging to the Bardolino, Lugana, and Custoza DOC wine areas, on this half-day private excursion you will visit two wineries to see how they make the 'Nectar of Bacchus.'
Departing from and returning to your hotel in Verona, you will be driven through Peschiera del Garda, a historic lakeside town, and then proceed into the hills where grape vines thrive. During a walk through the vineyards at two traditional wineries, you will hear all about local farming techniques, and visit the production facilities and barrel cellar.
Each winery will offer a tasting of four of the most characteristic wines of this region including red Bardolino and white and rose' wines such as Chiaretto and Chiaretto spumantizzato. At one of the wineries the tasting will be accompanied by finger foods like cheeses, cold cuts, and a delicious dessert. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the stunningly beautiful wine region of Lake Garda while tasting its most famous products.

San Miniato and Truffles in Tuscany: A Full Day Excursion

This full-day culinary expedition will introduce you to the wonderful world of truffles and give you a taste of one of Italy's best biodynamic wines. No gourmet morsel is as exotic and luxurious as the white truffle - il tartufo bianco. These delicacies, which can cost thousands of dollars per pound, grow only in the wild and can only be found by expert foragers aided by their highly trained dogs.
Starting from and returning to your hotel in Florence, this tour will take you to the lovely hill town of San Miniato not far from Pisa, renowned as the capital of the Tuscan white truffle. Four generations of the Savini family have hunted truffles in this area. One of their expert trifulau will explain the local truffle varieties and food traditions. Then, armed with this knowledge, you'll head out with your guide and his dogs on your very own truffle hunt.
A lunch including truffles and other local delicacies will follow. After lunch you will continue on to the Tenuta di Poggio estate where you'll visit the cellars and learn how grapes become wine; a guided tasting of their biodynamic wines follows.

Wine and Romance, Day Trip to Verona from Milan

Spend a day discovering a quieter world, far from the glamour and bustle of the capital of fashion and finance. You will be picked up from your hotel in Milan and taken to the La Collina dei Ciliegi winery in the rolling hills of Valpantena. As the name suggests, cherry trees grow along the rows of vines on this 45-hectare estate, best known for its bold reds, like Amarone, Corvina, Valpolicella Superiore, and Valpolicella Ripasso, as well as its more delicate whites, like Lugana and Garganega. Here you will enjoy a tasting of Amarone and a light lunch.
After lunch, you will be driven to Verona, where an expert guide will take you on a tour of Verona's most famous landmarks. You will see the places mentioned in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, including the balcony and the wall where people from all over the world post their love letters. You will visit Piazza delle Erbe, where the ancient town hall, Torre dei Lamberti, built in the twelfth century, towers over the area, and the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, bearing Saint Mark's Lion, the symbol of the Republic of Venice, speaks volumes about the history of the city. In the fascinating Piazza dei Signori, you will admire the medieval arches and loggias connecting the buildings that surround it. And no visit to Verona would be complete without seeing the Arena, the Roman theater still in use to this day.
You will end the day with dinner in a typical Italian restaurant, and then be driven back to your Milan hotel.

Dedicate a day to food and wine and the quieter country life with this day-trip from Milan. You will be picked up in the morning by a driver who will take you to the peaceful town of Pavia, where you will visit some of its most famous monuments and churches, like the Certosa di Pavia, with its large monastery and vivid frescoes.
In the late morning, you will be driven to Colle Manora, a modern winery distinguished by the love for red race cars and contemporary Italian fashion designer Mila Schoen. You will visit the hilltop winery, with its vines planted all around it, with acacias, wild cherry trees, and oak trees guarding it in the North and East side, and be treated to a wine tasting with light lunch to follow.
You will then drive to the Langhe area, added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, famous for its enogastronomic wonders, like the world-renowned Alba truffles. You will stop in the town of Canelli, home of the "wine cathedrals" a 20-kilometer network of underground cellars hewn from the tufa rock over the centuries, and a symbol of the long tradition and deep connection to the earth of the local wineries.
The tour concludes with dinner in a typical local restaurant before returning to Milan.

Furore and Positano Full Day Private Tour from Naples

Immerse yourself in the traditions, tastes, and sights of the Amalfi Coast with this full-day trip from Naples. You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the picturesque town of Furore: perched on the hills that tumble down to the sea in classic Amalfi Coast style, the town is home to a multitude of mural-covered walls, a "fjord" with a small beach surrounded by towering cliffs, and the Marisa Cuomo vineyard, where you will make your first stop. Here you will taste wines like Furore, Ravello, and Costa d'Amalfi, all available in white and red varieties, made from historic DOC grapes like Falanghina and Aglianico. You will have lunch in a nearby family restaurant, where you will be offered local specialties and well-paired wines.
After lunch, you will be taken to a popular ceramics factory in Vietri, to admire the colorful painted crockery that the Amalfi Coast is famous for. Next, you will be driven to a mozzarella factory, where you will be offered to taste a few varieties, including buffalo mozzarella, another specialty of the area.
You will get more chances to enjoy the unique local artisans who make cameos and intaglio jewelry, ceramics, hand-made paper and clothing, and get to shop to your heart's content at the next stop: Positano. Here you will be given free time to enjoy walking on the narrow walkways and stairs, and bring home products typical of the area, proudly produced by locals.
At the end of the day, you will enjoy dinner in a typical seafood restaurant, and be returned to your hotel in Naples.

Tivoli Excavations and Fontana Candida Winery Visit from Rome

Expand your visit to the Eternal City with an excursion into the surrounding countryside, full of historical and gastronomic wonders. Departing from your Rome hotel with your private driver, you will head to Tivoli, where the famous Villa Adriana is located. Created by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the second century A.D., this UNESCO World Heritage site spans almost 200 acres and is one of the most unique examples of the artistic expressions of the ancient Mediterranean World. Your guide will bring you through this immense park, pointing out examples of classical architecture, explaining their significant role in the re-discovery of ancient architecture during the Renaissance and Baroque period.
Around lunchtime, you will head to a traditional farm with a frantoio, or oil mill, where you will enjoy a relaxing lunch of traditional Roman food in the peaceful countryside. Your day continues at the winery whose name is synonymous with Frascati: Fontana Candida. As the most quoted wine in history, Frascati is known as the traditional "wine of the popes and of the people" and its rich history and vinification process will be explained as you tour the winery and its cellars. Your visit will end with a tasting of Fontana Candida's products before your private driver escorts you back to Rome in time for dinner.

Chianti Classico - Shared Group Guided Tour

Tidy rows of vineyards, silvery-green olive trees and the inky exclamation points of cypresses are the scenic backdrop for this shared, full day group excursion to the Chianti area where one of the world's most famous wines is produced.
A comfortable minibus will take you around the picturesque Tuscan countryside, making stops at two wineries along the way. Here, a knowledgeable sommelier will show you around the production facilities and the cellars where you will taste wines made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other varieties of purple grapes.
You will learn how to distinguish the flavor and acidity of each wine and, based on its unique characteristics, how to best pair it with food. Some of the excellent olive oils produced in this region will also be sampled.
Lunch will be at a lovely trattoria serving local Tuscan specialties.

Winery Visit and Lunch at Castello di Roncade

Just a few short miles from Venice lies Castello di Roncade, a stunning 15th century castle originally constructed as a working vineyard and country villa for the Giustinian family, whose members include two Venetian doges, senators, and even saints. The villa, built by the same architect that designed the Clock Tower in Venice, offers a fascinating display of Renaissance architecture, from its interior rooms to its garden and the moat surrounding the exterior wall.
Your experience of the villa and its vineyards will begin with a private transfer from Piazzale Roma in Venice to Castello di Roncade. Upon arrival, you will begin your visit with a tour of the villa and private chapel. This is followed by a stroll through the vineyards where the Bassetti family planted imported French varietal vines from Gironde in the 20th century, in addition to the vines of native varietals such as Raboso Piave and Glera.
After a visit to the wine making cellar and aging cellars, you will witness the estate's wines being made, such as their flagship Bordeaux blend Villa Giustinian, Raboso dell'Arnasa, Merlot, Cabernet, and Prosecco. This will be followed by a full four-course lunch paired with Castello di Roncade wines: A typical Italian antipasto spread, followed by a pasta course, a meat course, and a dessert.

Private Cooking Class at Academia Barilla

Known as one of the world's premier Italian culinary brands, Barilla calls the foodie town of Parma its home, and it is here at the Academia Barilla where the company opens its doors to those who share their love of the Italian cuisine. With a purpose of educating and bringing together both professional chefs and amateur aficionados with a passion for all things Italian, this Italian foodie paradise will be your classroom for a one-of-a-kind cooking course on the regional cuisine.
Upon arrival at Academia Barilla in Parma, you will be welcomed with a tour of the facilities, including a stop at the Academia's remarkable Gastronomic Library with its Historic Menu Collection and a break for coffee and snacks. Following the tour, you will enter the cooking lesson, where your private chef will teach you to create a multi-course meal based in the traditions of the Emilia-Romagna cuisine, highlighting ingredients such as traditional pastas, parmiggiano reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar.
The day concludes with a lunch of the dishes you created, paired with water, local wines, and coffee. You will leave your lesson not only full of knew knowledge of this cuisine, but also with the Academia Barilla Chef Kit of the day's recipes, a pen, an apron, and a chef hat and an exclusive gift for Select Italy travelers - a bag with an Academia Barilla cookbook for each student.

Discovering the Delicacies of Parma & Modena from Milan

Emilia-Romagna's prolific food culture is famous worldwide, and this tour affords participants the unique chance to learn about the local gastronomy by visiting select producers to taste regional products. The day begins with your departure from Milan, and your private driver will first bring you to a typical farm known for its Parmigiano Reggiano. At the farm, you will visit the ancient cellars of culatello di Zibello and Parmigiano Reggiano, the orchards, the vineyard, and the pig sty, where you will see the rare "nera parmigiana" race.
After your tour, you will enjoy a light lunch of a sampling of the region's most famous products, tortelli, culatello ham, and Parmigiano Reggiano. After bidding your farewell to these decadent delicacies, you will depart for Modena, the Emilia-Romagna mecca of balsamic vinegar. Your journey will include an off-road experience, winding through the country roads to pass many of the important natural and cultural sites, such as the old wind mills, the valley of cherry trees, and the parks of Sassi di Roccamalatina and Salse di Nirano. Your journey will also include a visit to the Maranello Ferrari Museum.
To finish off your day in Modena, you will visit the historic balsamic factory, Giusti, where you will tour the facilities and finish with a tasting of the various types of vinegars before heading to dinner at a local restaurant. After a full dinner of regional cuisine paired with wines, your private driver will bring you back to your hotel in Milan.

Amalfi Coast Tour: Flavors of History

The Amalfi Coast is not only known for its seductive panoramas and intense blue sea, but also for the flavors and tastes of the local gastronomy. This Mediterranean pearl boasts a large range of typical specialties, created mostly from locally-grown products.
Departing from and returning to your hotel, you'll start your tour with a short guided visit of the village of Ravello. One of the most elegant town on the Amalfi Coast, this place has inspired writers, artists and musicians, and has attracted numerous international celebrities. Perched high on the cliffs above Amalfi, Ravello is visited for its beautiful gardens and other important sites such as the Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone and the splendid Romanesque Duomo.
Your tour will continue with a visit to Amalfi and a tasting of limoncello at Antichi Sapori d'Amalfi. This family-run store offers homemade limoncello, produced with local lemons, as well as an array of other products. Your guide will then take you to the Amalfi Paper Mill and Museum where you can admire ancient methods of paper production that the locals learned from the Arabs. Lunch at Trattoria da Rispoli follows.
After lunch, you'll go to Positano for a guided tour and a stop for coffee. This dreamy coastal town, etched upon the face of a rocky cliff, is known for the church of Santa Maria Assunta that contains a 13th century icon of the Black Madonna. According to local legend, this icon was stolen from Byzantium and transported by pirates across the Mediterranean.

The Flavors of Vesuvius

Pompeii is considered as one of the most significant historic vestiges of Roman civilization and, like an open book, provides essential information about the art, customs and everyday life of the past. Following the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D., the city has re-emerged from centuries of darkness and layers of ash, bringing to light a fascinating picture of daily life.
Departing from and returning to your hotel, this tour takes you back in time, starting with a visit to the archaeological site at Pompeii. Once a thriving resort town populated by wealthy people, Pompeii today offers remains of restored temples, eateries and the preserved bodies of those who died trying to escape. This journey through the ancient city will help you imagine the daily routine of Pompeii and the panic felt by its inhabitants in the minutes before it was completely buried.
Next stop will be La Cantina del Vesuvio Winery, located in the National Park of Vesuvius at the base of the volcano, an area well-known for its rich, volcanic soil that is perfect for growing grapes. Here you'll visit the vineyards and olive groves of the winery before tasting some of their outstanding wines. Wine is produced here in three classic versions: Lacryma Christi of the Vesuvius DOC red, rose' and white. A lunch of traditional dishes carefully prepared using genuine, local products will follow.

Ancient Paestum: Wine, Cheese and Ruins

The three Doric temples at Paestum are said to be the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. These magnificent monuments date back to the 6th and 5th centuries B.C., and are dedicated to the city's namesake Poseidon (also known as Neptune, god of the sea), Hera and Ceres. Near sandy beaches in a region known for its typical wines and delicious mozzarella di bufala cheese, Paestum is off the beaten tourist path so you can admire these perfect monuments in all their pristine beauty.
Departing from and returning to your hotel on the Amalfi Coast, first stop will be the Tenuta Vannulo, a farm in the heart of the Campania region where mozzarella di bufala is still produced in a very traditional way. You will tour the farm and learn all about the cheese-making process before sitting down to taste the freshly made cheese.
At the winery Marino you will enjoy a selection of Italian specialties accompanied by some of the typical wines of the South. A guided tour of the archaeological site of ancient Paestum and a museum that will give you a feel of life in the Italian countryside completes this full-day excursion that combines history and cuisine of Southern Italy.

The Celebrated White wines of Irpinia

Irpinia is a region of the Apennine mountains around the town of Avellino, 25 miles east of Naples and about an hour'âs drive from the Amalfi Coast. On this full-day excursion you'll have the two of Irpinia's most respected wineries: Feudi di San Gregorio and Cantina di Marzo.
Departing from and returning to your Naples hotel, the first stop is the Feudi di San Gregorio winery. Founded in 1986, San Gregorio symbolizes the enological Renaissance of Southern Italy and its centuries-old culture of wine drinking. After touring the winery, you will have brunch at the Feudi di San Gregorio. The meal is accompanied by a wine tasting entirely dedicated to the authentic and renowned white wines produced in Irpinia, Fiano di Avellino and Falanghina.
After lunch this tour takes you back in time to one of the oldest wineries in Italy, Cantina di Marzo. Founded in 1647, it is a small, family-run wine producer in the center of the characteristic village of Tufo, surrounded by vineyards. The estateâs unique cellars are composed of a series of caverns and tunnels dug into the rock. Here, together with the wine tasting, you will enjoy typical local cheeses.
In the hills around the village of Sorbo Serpico, you will enter a magical world of unexpected streams, rare rose bushes and gardens of aromatic herbs. The most wonderful surprise, however, awaits you in the wine cellar. Here you will encounter the long barriquerie, used in the production of Prosecco and other niche wines evoking the long tradition of Irpinia's viticulture. A final wine tasting concludes the tour before you are returned to your hotel.

Chianti Nord Wine Tour: Full Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this full day wine excursion to Chianti Country.
Departing from and returning to your Florence hotel, first stop is the town of Greve in Chianti with its picturesque, asymmetrical main piazza. It is lined by a succession of palaces, porticoes and loggias with the rebuilt church of Santa Croce at one end, housing beautiful Renaissance paintings from the School of Fra Angelico. At the other end of the piazza stands a statue of the explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor.
After a tour of Greve you'll head to the Casaloste Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next stop will be lunch at the Osteria La Scuderia, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine.
After lunch you will head either to the Antinori vineyards at Badia di Passignano or to the small castle of Montefioralle depending on availability. Then you'll visit the cellars of the Setriolo estate in Castellina in Chianti to learn how grapes become wine; a guided tasting follows.